Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits

Cases of Conscience

Furthermore, although it is objected that the Devil may indeed appear in the form of dead persons but cannot represent those who are living, the contrary is clearly evident. There is no question that if Saul had said to the witch, "Bring me David" (who was then living), she could have shown the living David as easily as the dead Samuel. This is just as easily as that great conjurer—of whom Weyer original: "Wierus"; Johann Weyer (1515–1588) was a Dutch physician and occultist who was a pioneer in arguing against the literal reality of witchcraft and the persecution of "witches." speaks—brought the appearance of Hector and Achilles, and after that of David, before the Emperor Maximilian.

The fact that evil angels have sometimes appeared in the likeness of living, absent persons is a matter abundantly confirmed by history.

(l) Augustine original: "Austin" tells us of a man who went to a philosopher for the resolution of some intricate questions but could get no answer from him. However, in the night, the philosopher came to him and resolved all his doubts. Not long after, the man asked why he could not answer him during the day as well as he had in the night. The philosopher declared that he was not with him during the night; he only acknowledged that he dreamed of having such a conversation with his friend, but he was at home and asleep the whole time. Paulus and Palladius both testified to Augustine that a figure in his shape had appeared to them several times and in various places. (k) Thyraeus original: "Thyreus"; Peter Thyraeus (1546–1601) was a Jesuit theologian who wrote extensively on apparitions and demonic possession. mentions several apparitions of absent living persons which occurred during his own time.

(†) On the Deceptions of Demons, Book 1, Chapter 16. original: "De Præstigiis Dæmonum"
(l) The City of God, Book 18. original: "De C. D." abbreviation for De Civitate Dei
(k) On the Apparition of Spirits, Book 2, Chapter 7. original: "De Appar. Spirituum"