PREFACE
It has been many years since any serious study of demon experiences has been published, and possibly never before a compilation from competent observers in many parts of the world. The reason for this omission is not clear, but the result has been a feeling on the part of many Christians that these strange (to us moderns) phenomena were only valid in Bible times.
But if these things are in fact still going on today, the church should be aware of them; and if true in other lands, as indicated in this book, then a further study needs to be made of demonology here in the United States. Item: Could certain types of cases in mental hospitals be better relieved by prayer than by modern medical treatments? This subject needs study, research and experiment by Christian ministers, as well as secular medical experts.
As to the truthfulness of the stories in this book, we believe that all are valid. Most of the missionaries and others reporting are known to us either personally, or by reputation, as being honest and not subject to hallucinations. That the incidents occurred seems indisputable.
As to why they occurred, and what caused them— that is another question. On the surface there seems every evidence that strange spirits have seized and often spoken through their victims. Many of these incidents parallel those in the New Testament, where the cause is clearly stated as demon possession.
Some who read these pages may wish to put forward other explanations than ones presented in this book, and discussion of these viewpoints should prove valuable.
This book is not seeking to prove modern-day demonology. It is attempting to open the subject to those who are interested.
—THE PUBLISHERS
FOREWORD
Demon; Gr. daimon; an evil spirit; a devil.
In Matthew 12:25-27 Jesus referred to devils, "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils" . . . Beelzebub was cited as "prince of devils."
In Mark 3:22 the scribes from Jerusalem said that Jesus cast out devils by the "prince of devils"—Beelzebub.
In Luke 8:30 "Jesus asked him [demon] what is thy name? And he said, Legion for many demons were entered into him [the man]."
In Matthew 9:33 we read, "And when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spoke."
Devil; Gr. diabalos; accuser, one who slanders another for the purpose of injury.
In Matthew 4:8-11 we have record of Satan, greatest of all fallen Spirits: 'The devil leaveth him [Jesus]; and behold, angels came and ministered unto him [Jesus]."
Pernicious errors and doctrines are disseminated by demons according to I Timothy 4:1: "In the latter times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons [things demons teach]."