The mild forms of animal magnetism are disappearing, and its aggressive features are coming to the front. The looms of crime, hidden in the dark recesses of mortal thought, are every hour weaving webs more complicated and subtile. So secret are its present methods that they ensare the age into indolence, and produce the very apathy which the criminal wishes on this subject.
Animal magnetism is literally demonology. The following is an extract from The Boston Herald: —
Mesmerism is a problem not lending itself to an easy explanation and development. It implies the exercise of despotic control, and is much more likely to be abused by its possessor, than otherwise employed, for the individual or society.
Christian Science stands preeminent for promoting affection and virtue, in families and the community. Opposed to this healthful and elevating influence of Mind, as if to forestall the power of good, a baneful and secret mental influence has uprisen; but Science can and will meet all emergencies, and restore the normal standard of harmony.
If we abide in Truth and Love, this hidden foe, or secret mental malpractice, will only serve the ends of Wisdom, — whereby one learns how to master error. This uplifts and enlarges the human capacity for good, and so fulfils the Scripture: “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not harm them.”
The Apostle Paul refers to the personality of evil as “the god of this world,” and further defines it as dishonesty and craftiness, “handling the Word of God deceitfully.”
