Question Four
Whether it is lawful to ask a dying person to reveal his state after death
It is asked whether it is lawful to ask a dying person to reveal his state after death.
To this it is answered that it is possible to inquire into someone’s state after his death in three ways: with presumption, with doubt, or with humility and for the fulfillment of desire.
First, with presumption—for example, when someone proudly or presumptuously, trusting in his own ability, asks this. Such a person sins.
Second, with doubt—for example, when the one asking doubts concerning the future state. Such a person also sins.
Third, it is sought piously and humbly for the fulfillment of desire. In that case one who asks someone to appear to him after his death does not sin.
The reason is that, since all human beings desire by nature to know, to inquire for the fulfillment of a natural desire is not a sin. These things are from Thomas, Quodlibet II, question 2, in the body of the question and in the replies to the arguments.
Lord Henry of Hesse, however, answers that this is by no means lawful, because it savors of a certain culpable curiosity to wish to know the future state of dying persons. That state is more usefully unknown than known by the living, and ought rather to be conjectured from works than experienced. It ought to suffice us that God renders this to each person according to his works.
Hence it was said also to the rich man: “They have Moses and the prophets; let them believe them.” For this reason such appari- tions seem to be believed deceptions and illusions of demons rather than indications of the true state of souls. Therefore trust ought not to be placed in such things.
These are his words. But you should follow Thomas, and yet not scorn Henry in this matter.