Article September 9, 1922 Issue

The question at issue is not whether hypnotism, mesmerism,...

Agnate F. Butler, Committee on Publication for Cambridgeshire, England,

Cambridgeshire Times

The question at issue is not whether hypnotism, mesmerism, and suggestion are justifiable in medical practice, but whether they constitute the healing practiced by Christ Jesus and his disciples, and enjoined by him upon his followers—the healing which the church in this country is beginning to seek after, as an essential part of her Master's charge. I have not expressed any personal views on the matter, but have reminded your readers of two facts, in order that they may form their own judgment: (1) The dangers admittedly involved in mesmeric control, (2) the severe condemnation with which our Master met the assertion that he was employing for a remedial purpose a force associated with evil.

In the years of study and practical experience which followed her discovery of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy learned, step by step, how to distinguish the action of the divine Mind, through "the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality" (Science and Health, p. 581), from that subtle working of the mind of the flesh from which spring the varying phenomena of hypnotism and suggestion. On page 82 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she writes, "In a world of sin and sensuality hastening to a greater development of power, it is wise earnestly to consider whether it is the human mind or the divine Mind which is influencing one."

The critic assures us that Christian Scientists are using suggestion, that is, the human mind, all the time. The truth is quite the contrary, since Christian Scientists do not use suggestion and never rely on the human mind. Their entire faith is in the Mind of Christ. The matter is a vital one, not for Christian Scientists only, but for all Christians—indeed, for all thinking people—for it raises these questions: Is there any such thing as effectual prayer? Can the heart of man reach out to his creator and receive an answer, or are all those who pray, and believe their prayers are answered by a merciful and loving God, the dupes of mesmerism and self-mesmerism? For it can hardly be urged that effectual prayer, quite apart from suggestion, is available to others, but never to Christian Scientists! If your correspondent had made any first-hand investigation of Christian Science, he would know that it is quite impossible to explain away the facts of moral regeneration, bodily healing, and improved circumstances by any such hypothesis as he puts forward.

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