Cases of Conscience

Argument 1. There are several Scriptures from which we may infer the possibility of what has been affirmed.

1. We find that the Devil, through the prompting of the Witch of Endor, appeared in the likeness of the prophet Samuel. I am well aware that some have asserted a view which, if proven, would overturn this argument—namely, that it was the true Samuel and not a deceptive imitation whom the witch brought to speak with Saul. Some Jewish Rabbis (a), some Christian Doctors (b), and many recent Catholic original: "Popish" authors (c) hold this opinion, among whom Cornelius à Lapide (d) is the most detailed.

But learned and Orthodox In this context, "Orthodox" refers to Protestant theologians who followed the Reformation. writers have demonstrated that it was actually a demon representing Samuel. These include especially (e) Peter Martyr, (f) Baldinus, (†) Lavater, and our incomparable John Rainolds. I will not dwell on clarifying that point here, especially considering that I have done so elsewhere. I will only add that the witch said to Saul, "I see Elohim," that is, "a god" (for the whole context shows that a single person is intended), "ascending out of the earth" (1 Samuel 28:13). The Devil desires to be worshiped as a god, and Saul—now that he had become a necromancer original: "Necromancer"; one who practices magic to communicate with the dead—was forced to bow himself before him. Moreover, if it had been the true Samuel from

(a) Rabbi Saadias, Rabbi Eleazer Athias, Lyranus, and likewise Josephus. (b) Ambrose, Jerome original: "Hierom", Basil, and Gregory of Nazianzus. (c) Thomas Aquinas, Tostatus, Suarez, and Cajetan. (d) In Ecclesiasticus, Chapter 46:22, 23. (e) On this passage original Latin: "In Locum". (f) On 2 Corinthians 11:14, page 555. (†) On Ghosts original Latin: "De Spectris", Chapter 7.