Article November 4, 1911 Issue

In a late issue there appears a discussion of hypnotism...

Edward W. Dickey

San Bernardino (Cal.) Index

In a late issue there appears a discussion of hypnotism in which the writer expresses it as his opinion that Christian Science practice is the "laws of hypnotism under popular dress." This is so emphatic a misconception of Christian Science practice that it needs unqualified refutation. In speaking of the nature of Christian Science practice, Mrs. Eddy writes on page 104 of her book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as follows: "The medicine of Science is divine Mind; and dishonesty, sensuality, falsehood, revenge, malice, are animal propensities and by no means the mental qualities which heal the sick. The hypnotizer employs one error to destroy another. If he heals sickness through a belief, and a belief originally caused the sickness, it is a case of the greater error overcoming the lesser. This greater error thereafter occupies the ground, leaving the case worse than before it was grasped by the stronger error."

Hypnotism always involves control or domination; it can be practised in no other way, and is bound sooner or later to sap the mental integrity of its victim. It is gratifying, therefore, to see public attention called to this evil in order that all may protect themselves from it. It is strange that one who condemns hypnotism as villainous should recommend it as a remedy for anything. We cannot hope to "gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles," nor is it possible for the same fountain to "send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter." It follows, then, that a mental practice which is' susceptible of wrong use should have no use nor be given any expression whatever.

Christian Science practice is based upon an understanding of the power and presence of God as the one infinite, divine Mind. The student is ever conscious in his practice of the words of the Master, "I can of mine own self do nothing." He realizes with the Master that "my Father worketh hitherto" and that "he doeth the works." This scientific treatment or prayer benefits both practitioner and patient, and elevates him morally as well as physically. Furthermore, it equips him with an understanding of God that enables him to forestall and destroy all despotic action of the human or mortal mind. The problem of hypnotism is one "not lending itself to easy solution," and we should be ever watchful of our trust in God as our sole protector and preserver.

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