This theory, which appears to have many advocates, is well set forth in
the following excerpts from an article published in the Philadelphia
_Universe_, a Catholic organ:
"Neither the sight of the eye, nor the touch of the hand, can
discover the spring by which Planchette moves. Therefore it is not,
in its movements, a toy. It moves--undoubtedly it moves. And how?
Intelligently! It answers questions of any kind put to it in any
language required. It does this. This can not be done but by
intelligence. Well, by what description of intelligence? It can not
be supposed that the Divine intelligence is the motive; for how can
God be conceived to make such a manifestation of himself as
Planchette exhibits?
"A corresponding reason cuts off the idea that it is presided over
by an angelic intelligence; and it is evident to all that a human
mind does not control it. There is but one more character of
intelligence--that of evil spirits. Therefore Planchette is moved by
the agents of hell.... But why should the devil connect himself with
Planchette?... We suppose that the experienced scoundrel is ready to
do anything human wickedness may ask him when souls are the price of
the condescension. But his reasons for particular manifestations are
of small importance here. Facts are facts, and the point is, that
Planchette is not a toy, that it is moved by an intelligence, and
that the intelligence that moves it is necessarily evil. We would
therefore advise all who have a Planchette to build for it a special
fire of pitch and brimstone.... No one has a right to consult the
enemy of God. They who do so are in danger of becoming worshipers of
the devil, and of dwelling with him for ever."
This theory has at least the merit of being clear, definite, and easy to
be understood, if it is not in all respects convincing. But here we have
an exemplification of the old paradox of an irresistible force coming
in contact with an immovable body. The Catholic priest tells us that
Planchette is _not_ a toy; that it moves by an intelligence and volition
that is not human; that its moving and directing power is of the devil.
The Rev. Dr. Patton, in his article in the _Advance_ (heretofore
referred to), tells us that "It is a philanthropic toy, which may be
used to bring to light hidden connections of mind and body, and to
refute the assumptions of spiritism;" and the Rev. A. D. Field, in his
article in the _Ladies' Repository_, backs up Dr. Patton by saying, that
it is "a mere toy," "is no humbug," is of "some use;"--and, concerning
the _devil_ theory of the general power which moves it and other
physical bodies, he says: there is "too often the spirit of gentleness
to make the theory acceptable." The "immovable body" here, is the
authority of the Catholic priest; the "irresistible force" is the
authority of our clerical brethren representing Protestantism; and after
this fair impingement of the latter upon the former, we shall, perhaps,
have to adopt a compromise solution of the problem, by saying that the
"immovable body" has been moved _a little_, and that the "irresistible
force" has been resisted _some_.
But this _devil_ theory, if what the Bible teaches us concerning that
personage is true, is encumbered with other difficulties; and the first
of these is, that the devil, however wicked, is not a _fool_. If he
should set a trap for human souls, he would not be so stupid as to tell
them there is a trap there. When approaching human beings, he assumes,
as the good book tells us, the garb of an angel of light; but it is not
likely that he would ever say he is the devil, as Planchette sometimes
does--at least until he felt quite sure of his prey. And again, when, in
a case slightly parallel with cases sometimes involved in the question
in hand, the captious Pharisees accused the Saviour of men of casting
out devils by Beelzebub the prince of devils, he reminded them that a
house or a kingdom divided against itself can not stand. Now Planchette,
I admit, is not always a saint--in fact, she sometimes talks and acts
very naughtily as well as foolishly; yet at other times, when a better
_spirit_ takes possession of her, she is gentle, loving, well disposed,
and does certainly give most excellent advice,--advice which could
not be heeded without detriment to the devil's kingdom, and which,
if universally followed, would work its overthrow entirely. It is
inconceivable that Satan would thus tear down with one hand what he
builds up with another. But just at this point I wish to say, I think
there is need of great caution in consulting Planchette on matters
of a weighty or serious nature, lest one should extort from her mere
_confirmations_ of his own errors, either in doctrine or practice; and
that nothing should in any case be accepted from it that is repugnant to
the established principles of the Christian religion. But we are after
the _science_ of the thing now, and for the present that is our only
question--a question, however, which the devil theory, as will appear
from the foregoing, does not seem fully to answer.