By such manifestations large numbers of persons have given their adherence to these real or pretended agencies as truthful and reliable intelligences; whose responses they receive with the same credence that we do the revelations of scripture. "Circles" are extensively formed, who have sittings, at stated times, to receive communications from the spirits of the departed; and these are enforced by miracles, audible sounds, the exercise of physical power, &c.
The reality and the credibility of these agencies are separate questions. Their reality is shown by their identity with similar manifestations of former times. The Bible affirms the existence of such: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places;" or "wicked spirits" in "heavenly places," as the _margin_ reads, Eph. 6:12.
1. The familiar spirits of old responded in a manner similar to these. They did "peep" and "mutter;" their speech was low out of the dust; they spoke out of the ground, and whispered; or, as in the margin, did "peep" or "chirp" out of the dust. These "rap" and mutter. They respond from beneath chairs, tables and floors.
2. They exercised similar physical powers. They threw down and tare the persons they possessed. They turned the swine into the sea, &c. These claim that chairs and tables, are lifted and moved at will by an invisible agency.
3. They made similar pretensions to credibility. Simon Magus gave out "that himself was some great one;" and these, that they utter divine truths.
4. Similar regard was bestowed on those, which is claimed for these. To Simon "they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God." Yet "he had bewitched them with sorceries." Similar claims by, and regard for these modern pretenders to the same art, do not relieve them from the suspicion of a like agency. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his _ministers_ also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness: whose end shall be according to their works," 2 Cor. 11:13-15.