Chapter 78—Mind Controlling Mind
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See chapter 79, “Hypnotism and Its Dangers.”
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Agencies Which May Take the Mind Captive—Corruptions of
every type, similar to those existing among the antediluvians, will be
brought in to take minds captive. The exaltation of nature as God, the
unrestrained license of the human will, the counsel of the ungodly—
these Satan uses as agencies to bring about certain ends. He will
employ the power of mind over mind to carry out his designs. The
most sorrowful thought of all is that under his deceptive influence
men will have a form of godliness without having a real connection
with God. Like Adam and Eve, who ate the fruit from the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil, many are even now feeding upon
the deceptive morsels of error.—
Testimonies for the Church 8:293,
294
(1904).
A Dangerous Science—I have spoken distinctly regarding the
dangerous science which says that one person shall give up his mind
to the control of another. This science is the devil’s own.—Lt 130 1/2,
1901.
Mental Influence in Treating the Sick—In the treatment of the
sick the effect of mental influence should not be overlooked. Rightly
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used, this influence affords one of the most effective agencies for
combating disease.
There is, however, a form of mind cure that is one of the most
effective agencies for evil. Through this so-called science, one mind
is brought under the control of another so that the individuality of the
weaker is merged in that of the stronger mind. One person acts out the
will of another. Thus it is claimed that the tenor of the thoughts may
be changed, that health-giving impulses may be imparted, and patients
may be enabled to resist and overcome disease.
This method of cure has been employed by persons who were
ignorant of its real nature and tendency and who believed it to be a
means of benefit to the sick. But the so-called science is based upon
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