Simulated Obsessions

This communication was given to us in connection with a lady who was to come to ask for advice about an obsession, and concerning whom we had judged it our duty to consult the Spirits beforehand.

“Pity for those who suffer must not exclude prudence, and it could be imprudence to establish relations with all those who present themselves to you, under the sway of a real or feigned obsession. It is yet another trial through which Spiritism must pass, and which will serve to rid it of all those who, by their nature, would disturb its path. They have insulted, ridiculed the Spiritists; they wished to frighten those whom curiosity draws toward you, placing you under the patronage of Satan. None of this succeeded; before surrendering, they wish to set up one last battery, ready to open fire, which, like all the others, will redound to your profit. No longer able to accuse you of contributing to the increase of mental alienation, they send you true obsessed persons, before whom they hope that you will fail, and simulated obsessed persons, whom it would naturally be impossible for you to cure of an imaginary ill. All this will in no way halt your progress, but on the condition of acting with prudence and advising those who occupy themselves with obsessive treatments to consult their guides, not only as to the nature of the ill, but as to the reality of the obsessions they might have to combat. This is important, and I take advantage of the idea that was suggested to you, of first asking for advice, to recommend that you always act thus in the future. “As for that lady, she is sincere and really suffering, but at present nothing can be done for her, except to advise her to ask, through prayer, for calm and resignation to bear her trial courageously. She does not lack instructions from the Spirits; it would even be prudent to remove her from all idea of correspondence with them, and to advise her to give herself entirely over to the care of official medicine.”

Doctor Demeure.

Observation. – It is not only against simulated obsessions that it is prudent to guard ourselves, but against requests for communications of every sort, evocations, advice on health, etc., which could be traps laid for good faith, of which malevolence might make use. It is fitting, then, not to accede to requests of this nature except with full knowledge of the case, and in relation to persons who are known or duly recommended. The adversaries of Spiritism see with displeasure the development it takes, contrary to their predictions, and lie in wait for or provoke the occasions to catch it at fault, whether to accuse it, or to ridicule it. In such a case, it is better to err by excess of circumspection than by improvidence.

Allan Kardec.

Paris. – Typ. of Rouge frères, Dunon et Fresné, rue du Four-Saint-Germain, 43.