FAMILIAR SPIRITS by E. R. Seaman

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Oct 28, 1852

FAMILIAR SPIRITS.

By E. R. Seaman

MANY are not aware that in the last series of signs given to show the coming of the Lord near, the working of the spirits of devils, stands out most prominent of any revealed in the word of God, as in immediate connection with his coming.—The Bible plainly teaches us that they have been manifested in past ages. The children of Israel were commanded not to consult them, on pain of death. Seeking after them to obtain knowledge is, therefore, strictly forbidden in the word of God. Deut. xviii, 10, 12; Lev. xx, 27; Isa. viii.

An instance of the result of disobeying God in this matter, can be seen in the case of king Saul. When the host of the Philistines gathered themselves to fight against ancient Israel under him, the king's heart greatly trembled, and when he inquired of the Lord he answered not, neither by dreams, nor by the Urim, nor by the prophets, his next resort was to seek out a witch that had familiar spirit. 1 Sam. xxviii, 7. His end was destruction as recorded in the last chapter.

Is there not a striking analogy between the last state of the second, rebellious house of Israel and king Saul. And may we not expect that when they find God has left them desolate (for rejecting his saving truth) and they receive no answer to prayer (because they seek him where he is not for he has withdrawn himself from the holy to the most holy place) I ask, will they not be liable to be drawn into the great whirlpool of deception, and share the same fate. I think the law and the testimony plainly affirm it. For while one class are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, [Rev. xiv, 12,] the other class are being deceived by the lying wonders of the two-horned beast, [Rev. xiii, 13, 14,] which, without doubt, are the spirits of devils working miracles.

I understand St. Paul, in 2 Thess. ii, 12, to teach the same doctrine, and to carry us down to the point of time when the coming of the Lord is immediately impending. I think he not only brings to view the Papacy, which is understood to embrace the man of sin, or to refer to that exclusively, but a distinct power or manifestation called the workings of satan.

Christ's coming will be soon after the workings of satan, and the last great lying wonder has been presented to captivate this doomed generation. Hear the language of inspiration: "And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thess. ii, 11, 12.

I hardly need to state here that the strong delusions and workings of satan are in prophetic fulfillment, and already are increasing with alarming rapidity, as never before witnessed. Different persons, or mediums as they are termed by themselves, professedly hold converse with spirits of devils, (who represent themselves spirits of departed friends,) and are answered, as I am credibly informed, with an audible voice; and so far have they progressed that balls of fire are shown, and streaks or flashes of light, and other lying wonders too numerous to mention. And they do not propose to stop here, but promise their followers greater signs, and that right early.

I have briefly alluded to this subject because I believe it to be one of great importance, more than some may suppose, and I pray that the children of God may be aroused to love the truth which alone can make them wise unto salvation, and watch continually, knowing that our adversary as a roaring lion goeth about seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast unto the end.

E. R. SEAMAN.

Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 18th, 1852.