A Few Remarks on the Scripture History of Saul and the Witch of EndorChurch, J. (John)
Religion
A Few Remarks on the Scripture History of Saul and the Witch of Endor
Church, J. (John)
Bible. Samuel, 1st -- Commentaries
From these observations, I think, it cannot be reasonably supposed to be
Samuel, the true Prophet of God. That there have been appearances of
spectres I doubt not, but I cannot suppose for a moment, that they are
the real souls of the departed, but either their guardian angels or
infernal spirits, sent on errands we know nothing of in this lower world;
but this I leave, and only remark that in this case of the wretched,
despairing Saul, that Satan, with whom the Witch of Endor was very
familiar, could easily transform himself into a grave old man, with a
mantle, when the scriptures declare he can transform himself into an
Angel of Light, which must be a greater work. It is evident he is now,
and has been for many years, worshipped by Heathens, in many forms,
witness the idols which are made and adored abroad, in which form, no
doubt, Satan has often appeared to his familiars. As to his being called
Samuel, many who have been possessed of the devil are called prophets, as
well as many who are destitute of grace have been called christians; but
what appears to stagger some of my friends the most is, how Satan could
know future events, and predict them to Saul. But surely there was no
such a great mystery in this, when it was well known the evil spirits, in
the oracles of the heathen, and in others, have told future events.
Besides, Satan well knew the numbers and strength of the enemies that
came up against Saul’s army. No doubt Satan has much to do in a field of
Battle. Likewise Satan well knew that God had left Saul, and could then
easily tell that it must go bad with him and his armies. There wanted no
conjurer to tell that, nor need Samuel come from heaven to predict it.
Balaam, the wizard, who went several times to consult the devil about
cursing the children of Israel, was obliged to turn Prophet, and foretold
the coming of Christ, and the glories of his kingdom; the destruction of
the enemies of the Church, and his own awful end, _I shall see him_, _but
not now_—(that is, when he comes to judgment.) _I shall behold him_,
_but not nigh_—(when he lifted up his eyes in hell). Besides, God often
permits Satan, as the Prince of the Power of the Air, to foresee the ruin
of men, as in the case of Ahab. See 1st. Kings, 22nd Chap. xx, xxii
verses; and Satan, in a man, may predict his own ruin, or the ruin of
others. This may be seen in the case of Haman, in the book of Esther,
6th Chap. xiii, xiv verses. But what was the prediction of the Devil in
Samuel’s appearance? _Thou and thy sons shall be with me to-morrow_. If
this was the Soul of the true Samuel, he never could have said this, for
Saul could not associate with the Lord’s children in heaven, seeing he
lived and died a murderer; nor could his son, Jonathan have been with him
in heaven, seeing he was a lover of the truth, and a servant of the Lord;
and though they both died in the same field, they could not go to the
same place.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account