It is written that: "This kind cannot get out by anything except by prayer" ⁽²⁾ when righteous men pray to God to help the one possessed. (James 5:16). It does not mean one should attempt to expel demons oneself. In this regard, we must bear in mind that prayers offered to God on behalf of another are not answered for those whom God knows will go on sinning, and perhaps even worse than before.

I have heard it said that, 'What we are when we are born, that is what we will always be.'  It is the same as saying there can never be a peaceful civilization, and that we will always remain spiritually backward, without hope of progress or resurrection. What nonsense! By acquiring spiritual knowledge to enable us to distinguish between the truth and handed-down error, and by the progressive removal of superfluous badness from our spirits, we can improve the quality of life for ourselves and others.

I used the case of my wilful brother Gwyn to highlight a particular form of neglect that occurs to a greater or lesser degree within most families: The neglect of the "day of small things". ⁽³⁾  The rebellious disposition that my parents allowed to develop within him became too strong for Gwyn to overcome. They were responsible for indulging his wilful behaviour that led to the convulsions caused by an unclean spirit inhabiting and overwhelming him.

It wasn't very long after Gwyn's last tantrum, as Malcolm and I kicked a battered old tin can through the back lanes on our way home from school, that we met up with our Grandad. We said our hellos, and he then said gravely,

"You'd better come home, the pair of you."

He looked sombre. We hurried along at his side occasionally glancing up at him.

"What's up Granch?" I asked.

"It's your brother.  He's had an accident."

He also said that he'd come from the doctor's surgery.

Not knowing what to expect, my insides felt on fire with fear as we neared the gate. My thoughts were racing and not making any sense. The doctor met Grandad in the hallway, and we were sent through to the back room where Mam was. She seemed to know that it was the worst that had happened. She was unable to speak coherently, as her groans kept interrupting. We tried to comfort her. Then quietly I asked her:

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