Hypnotism and its Dangers
267
by scientific research, and men are flattered through the consciousness
of their own powers. The sciences which treat of the human mind are
very much exalted. They are good in their place, [
See explanatory
note on pages 720 and 721.
] but they are seized upon by Satan as his
powerful agents to deceive and destroy souls. His arts are accepted as
from heaven, and he thus receives the worship which suits him well.
The world, which is supposed to be benefited so much by phrenology
and animal magnetism, never was so corrupt as now. Through these
sciences, virtue is destroyed and the foundations of spiritualism are
laid.—
The Signs of the Times, November 6, 1884
. (
Selected Messages
2:351-353
.)
Mind Control Originated by Satan—The theory of mind con-
trolling mind was originated by Satan to introduce himself as the chief
worker, to put human philosophy where divine philosophy should
be. Of all the errors that are finding acceptance among professedly
Christian people, none is a more dangerous deception, none more
certain to separate man from God, than is this. Innocent though it may
appear, if exercised upon patients, it will tend to their destruction, not
to their restoration. It opens a door through which Satan will enter
to take possession both of the mind that is given up to be controlled
[713]
by another and of the mind that controls.—
The Ministry of Healing,
243
(1905).
Satan Hypnotized Adam and Eve—Satan tempted the first
Adam in Eden, and Adam reasoned with the enemy, thus giving him
the advantage. Satan exercised his power of hypnotism over Adam
and Eve, and this power he strove to exercise over Christ. But after the
word of Scripture was quoted, Satan knew that he had no chance of
triumphing.—Lt 159, 1903. (
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1081
.)
Tamper Not With Hypnotism—Men and women are not to study
the science of how to take captive the minds of those who associate
with them. This is the science that Satan teaches. We are to resist
everything of the kind. We are not to tamper with mesmerism and
hypnotism—the science of the one who lost his first estate and was
cast out of the heavenly courts.—MS 86, 1905. (.)
Warning to a Physician Who Favored Hypnosis—I am so
weighed down in your case that I must continue to write to you, lest
in your blindness you will not see where you need to reform. I am
instructed that you are entertaining ideas with which God has forbid-