Part 15 (1/2)

Personal conclusions

101:21 The author's own observations of the workings of animal magnetism convince her that it is not a remedial agent, and that its effects upon 101:24 those who practise it, and upon their subjects who do not resist it, lead to moral and to physical death.

If animal magnetism seems to alleviate or to cure dis- 101:27 ease, this appearance is deceptive, since error cannot remove the effects of error. Discomfort under error is preferable to comfort. In no instance is the effect of 101:30 animal magnetism, recently called hypnotism, other than the effect of illusion. Any seeming benefit derived from it is proportional to one's faith in esoteric magic.

Mere negation

102:1 Animal magnetism has no scientific foundation, for G.o.d governs all that is real, harmonious, and eternal, and 102:3 His power is neither animal nor human. Its basis being a belief and this belief animal, in Science animal magnetism, mesmerism, or hypnotism is 102:6 a mere negation, possessing neither intelligence, power, nor reality, and in sense it is an unreal concept of the so- called mortal mind.

102:9 There is but one real attraction, that of Spirit. The pointing of the needle to the pole symbolizes this all- embracing power or the attraction of G.o.d, divine Mind.

102:12 The planets have no more power over man than over his Maker, since G.o.d governs the universe; but man, reflecting G.o.d's power, has dominion over all the earth 102:15 and its hosts.

Hidden agents

The mild forms of animal magnetism are disappear- ing, and its aggressive features are coming to the front.

102:18 The looms of crime, hidden in the dark re- cesses of mortal thought, are every hour weav- ing webs more complicated and subtle. So secret are the 102:21 present methods of animal magnetism that they ensnare the age into indolence, and produce the very apathy on the subject which the criminal desires. The following 102:24 is an extract from the Boston Herald:

”Mesmerism is a problem not lending itself to an easy explanation and development. It implies the exercise 102:27 of despotic control, and is much more likely to be abused by its possessor, than otherwise employed, for the in- dividual or society.”

Mental despotism

102:30 Mankind must learn that evil is not power. Its so- called despotism is but a phase of nothingness. Christian Science despoils the kingdom of evil, and pre-eminently 103:1 promotes affection and virtue in families and therefore in the community. The Apostle Paul refers to the 103:3 personification of evil as ”the G.o.d of this world,” and further defines it as dishonesty and craftiness. Sin was the a.s.syrian moon-G.o.d.

Liberation of mental powers

103:6 The destruction of the claims of mortal mind through Science, by which man can escape from sin and mortality, blesses the whole human fam- 103:9 ily. As in the beginning, however, this libera- tion does not scientifically show itself in a knowledge of both good and evil, for the latter is unreal.

103:12 On the other hand, Mind-science is wholly separate from any half-way impertinent knowledge, because Mind- science is of G.o.d and demonstrates the divine Principle, 103:15 working out the purposes of good only. The maximum of good is the infinite G.o.d and His idea, the All-in-all.

Evil is a suppositional lie.

The genus of error

103:18 As named in Christian Science, animal magnetism or hypnotism is the specific term for error, or mortal mind.

It is the false belief that mind is in matter, and 103:21 is both evil and good; that evil is as real as good and more powerful. This belief has not one qual- ity of Truth. It is either ignorant or malicious. The 103:24 malicious form of hypnotism ultimates in moral idiocy.

The truths of immortal Mind sustain man, and they anni- hilate the fables of mortal mind, whose flimsy and gaudy 103:27 pretensions, like silly moths, singe their own wings and fall into dust.

Thought-transference

In reality there is no _mortal_ mind, and conse- 103:30 quently no transference of mortal thought and will-power. Life and being are of G.o.d. In Christian Science, man can do no harm, for 104:1 scientific thoughts are true thoughts, pa.s.sing from G.o.d to man.

104:3 When Christian Science and animal magnetism are both comprehended, as they will be at no distant date, it will be seen why the author of this book has been 104:6 so unjustly persecuted and belied by wolves in sheep's clothing.

Aga.s.siz, the celebrated naturalist and author, has 104:9 wisely said: ”Every great scientific truth goes through three stages. First, people say it conflicts with the Bible.

Next, they say it has been discovered before. Lastly, 104:12 they say they have always believed it.”

Perfection of divine government