Chapter 79—Hypnotism and its Dangers
[
See chapter 78, “Mind Controlling Mind.”
]
Be on Guard—In these days when skepticism and infidelity so
often appear in a scientific garb, we need to be guarded on every hand.
Through this means our great adversary is deceiving thousands and
leading them captive according to his will. The advantage he takes of
the sciences, sciences which pertain to the human mind, is tremendous.
Here, serpentlike, he imperceptibly creeps in to corrupt the work of
God.
This entering in of Satan through the sciences is well devised.
Through the channel of phrenology, psychology, [
Note: In appraising
fairly this use of the word psychology employed by the author, the
reader should take into account its connotations and associations in
the 1850’s through the 1880’s, often being linked with mesmerism
(hypnosis) and phrenology. See explanatory note on pages 720 & 721
of this chapter. See also chapter 2, “The Christian and Psychology,”
and chapter 3, “Dangers in Psychology.”
] and mesmerism, he comes
more directly to the people of this generation and works with that
power which is to characterize his efforts near the close of probation.
The minds of thousands have thus been poisoned and led into infidelity.
While it is believed that one human mind so wonderfully affects
[712]
another, Satan, who is ready to press every advantage, insinuates
himself and works on the right hand and on the left. And while those
who are devoted to these sciences laud them to the heavens because
of the great and good works which they affirm are wrought by them,
they little know what a power for evil they are cherishing; but it is a
power which will yet work with all signs and lying wonders—with
all deceivableness of unrighteousness. Mark the influence of these
sciences, dear reader, for the conflict between Christ and Satan is not
yet ended....
Neglect of prayer leads men to rely on their own strength and opens
the door to temptation. In many cases the imagination is captivated
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