Demonic Possession in China.
Perhaps no better illustration of what "demonic possession" is and always has been, is to be found than the cases of this phenomenon that may be observed in China today. In a recent book (65) Dr. Nevins describes in detail many cases which resemble in almost every particular those described in the New Testament, and maintains that they are inexplicable except as the actual influence of evil spirits.
He cites other modern observers in India, Japan, and Europe who have observed the same phenomena. Bishop Calloway and Brough Smith have seen many cases, in Natal and Australia respectively. (15, P. 52.)
Although the attendant phenomena vary widely there is a general similarity among all races. Some of those affected are wild and unmanageable, leap, and toss their arms about ; others are more calm ; some entirely unconscious while visibly possessed. The personal appearance is nearly always changed ; in some there is palpitation, peculiar contractions, foaming.
In nearly every case a second personality appears which personates a god, genii, the spirit of a deceased relative, or some animal. The first symptoms of the disease often occur in dreams and many times a fit of anger or grief is the first sign.
In most cases the "demon" comes in spite of the most violent opposition on the part of the person, but there are those who voluntarily invoke the spirit's presence in order through its power to make revelations by clairvoyance, clairaudience, or by a Chinese variety of planchette. Numerous other powers are claimed for the possessed such as speaking with tongues or in poetic form, singing, when otherwise they could not, and evidencing unusual physical strength. In some cases they are very destructive; they rob, steal, curse food and wells, put filth in eatables, and cause the money of the household to disappear; while if they are worshipped and propitiated all evil manifestations disappear and the family receive unusual favors instead.
Miracles of Healing
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By Charles W. Waddle (1909)
Primitive Christian Worship
Hereditary genius
