The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-28
TX
HUMBUGs OF HYPNoTIsM.

SECOND MEETING OF THE CANTER-
BURY ANTI-HUMBITG SOCIETY AT
THE WESTMINSTER MEETING
HOUSE.
(Continued)
more than hundred years ago an
investigation made by our own great
philosopher. Benjamin Franklin. along
with a French commission. to look into
the subject OF mesmerism or animal mag
netism, convinced them that In regard 10
the existence and utility of animal mag
netism, We have come TO the unanimous
conclusions that there is no proof of the
existence OF the animal magnetic fluid;
that the violent effects, which are Oh
served in the public practice OF magnet
ism. are due TO mantpulations, or to the
excitement of the imagination, and the
Impressions made upon the senses.
Professor Scripture, OF Yale college.
says there amt no occult power in the
phenomena OF hypnotism, but whether
that's scriptural truth or not I'm not
prepared 10 say.
''rhen Mrs Eddy OF course denies the
power OF hypnotism, because IL claims
30 do the same kind OF marvellous things
in curing diseases that her Christian
Science notion does. She says In sub
stance that the hypnotizer employs one
error 10 destroy another. The greater err
ror overcoming the lesser, IL occupies the
ground leaving the case worse than before
IL was grasped by the stronger error.
This is her assertion, but she doesn't
seem 10 bring any proof thar this is really
So But OF course she must head this ism
of or folks will be ungenerous enough TO
believe that her science Is nothing but
hypnotism or animal magnetism, which
lrol.. hA triffh awning
else.
Now, whether the above declarations
are true or not. here is one that we all
agree on although the source OF It's
origin is unknown to me. except that IL
was printed in the daily papers: Mes
merism is problem not lending itself
TO an easy explanation and development.
IL Implies the exercise OF, despotic con-
troll. and is much more likely TO be abused
by it's possessor. than otherwise employed,
for the individual or society
Now. there's the key note of thl meet
ing The evil that II can do should re-
ceive our careful consideration. There is
no question about there being power
of some kind in hypnotism, but its modern
application and the endeavor to squeeze
money out OF the youth OF the land by
urging them 10 undertake something that
they are more than likely untitled for. is
what makes IL a humbug. and Is the thing
that we should discourage and oppose.
''In the main they are claiming that a
man that has common sense enough TO
use the brains that the Maker of all
things has given him 10 guide him through
the affairs OF this life. is nothing more
than a user OF hypnotsm. Now that's
q deliberate lie. and we don't propose to
have it crowded down the throats OF our
children
There is such thing as influence
brought about by sensible reasoning. but
when these modern preachers tell us
that there there Is no. such thing as IN
fuence except by dethroning the mind
OF the person you are dealing Win ana
taking possession Of that kind yours IL.
we nut that down as the blackes hind
Of black art; and worse than That, It's
the devils own right hard When they
preach such stuff you can almost smell
the birthstone you're so near the brink
OF hell"
Then he gave the meeting UP to general
discussion. I must say | was powerful
surprised to hear federation talk so SEN
sible like. Where he got his knowledge
Is more'n l can find out, but he certainly
held the attention OF the audience every
minute. and Parson Holden and Elder
Morrison both said to me after the meet
in was over that Mr. Wilberforc, gave
one OF the best Introductory speeches on
the subject that they had ever heard and
they were wonderfully well pleased with
st. Elder Morrison said Amen TO II In
q real old fashioned Methodist way right
out in the meetin'
Well the first speaker was Parson
Holden, who didn't say much but what
ne did say was TO the point. Says he.
THE youth OF the town need protecting
from the evil influences OF hypnotism, as
practised and advertised today. as much
as they should be from any other thing
that tends TO an unnatural and wasteful
life. These so-called teachers who claim
to have mastered this modern science.
and who are following up the youth OF
the land like sleuth- h-hounds, make this
astounding claim: Every living NOR
tai felt sure until very lately. that he was
a ruler In his own mental kingdom. But
hypnotism shattered this belief like an
earthquake. Here was n silent and mys-
terious force, awakened, as Il were. by a
more wave of the hand. but which en-
abled one man To seize upon its very
throne the Will OF another, or OF several
others, and to make them conform 10 his
lightest wish In every act and feeling.
even TO the point OF absurdity and aga inst
the known disposition OF the hypnotized.
For a time his subjects become HIS will
ing slaves. Their minds appeared to go
out from them, and to be replaced by
his. Their boasted will power was de-
throned and inoperative'
Now" says the parson. this goes 10
show that the words OF the poet. MY
mind TO me a kingdom s. can no longer
stand as the truth IL such science
produces n set of robbers that can break
I'm upon the castle OF the mind and carry
of that which Has ordained by God 10
be sovereign aid Independent and sa-
cred right Of every mortal. DO we want
such an Influence spread broadcast here
In the town OF Canterbury among our
young people7 I know OF nothing more
dangerous. nothing more threatening 10
the security OF the home and society II
ihould be stamped out or curbed by law
no as to prevent its use In general or
open way.