By April 1889, Worthington and Mary Plunkett worded together to create the International Magazine. The copy for the magazines usually ran 30-60 days ahead of the release date. While many of the articles in Worthington’s run on the magazine are uncredited. This article echos his style from later works.
Psychology, Animal Magnetism, Mesmerism, Hypnotism.
A little book called “Mesmer and Swedenborg,” published nearly fifty years ago, startled the world with the seeming discovery of a modern philosophy that was, in fact, nothing more than ancient psychology in a new form. This little book proved a new light on the hidden path of occult studies, and led to authentic exposition of mental law, and the development of exact psychology and practical metaphysics. The usual period of inaction seemed to follow this publication until Truth, forcing the issue with ignorance and error, demonstrated through such minds as Charcot, Binet and Féré that Mesmerism or animal magnetism actually existed, as counterfeit of spiritual Truth.
From the mendacity of the charlatan, this subject has been rescued, and made to contribute to scientific experiment and demonstration, where the resulting phenomena must be above suspicion!
The last decade has added every link in the chain of proof, until the whole subject is capable of absolute demonstration in this realm. The transfusion of thought and sensation, the transmission of volition under special conditions, the enormous exaggeration of the senses and the increased power of memory, while the subject is hypnotized, the outward and hidden conditions of the conscious and the unconscious personality, the innumerable illusions, as well as the almost unlimited subjectiveness of the person influenced, have all been accomplished beyond dispute. While in this state we know that apples become potatoes to the taste, and potatoes are apples. Absent people, appear to be present, and people very near are invisible. The mind is industriously filling space with its imagery; all induced by the action of one mind upon another, often continuing after the subject has awaken apparently from the influence, through indefinite periods of time. In one case Charcot told his subject, “When you awake you will not be able to see, hear, or know Mr. — who is now here.” After waking, this subject saw every one else except the one named, did not hear that person, when he spoke to him and could not feel his hand on his shoulder. Another was shown a bottle on a table — the bottle removed — and the subject told it was still there. On awakening, the subject declared he saw the bottle, and insisted that it was palpable to his touch. These are not isolated, selected cases, of peculiarly constituted people, but examples of what all may undergo. It is universal in its application, so that the real may become the unreal, and vice versa to all appearance. Empty imaginations become actualities inhabiting space, with shape, taste and weight — in short, fully material as the world knows it, and during absolutely so-called, normal conditions. Time, does not limit their fancies; they may extend over the years.
In our own country we have moved a little more slowly but just as surely as our friends abroad. Here, we are sorry to say, it is being practiced more as a subject of amusement than as Scientific investigation. [See North American Review Aug. 1888]. “But when I reflected that mesmerism, by most minds is still assigned to the domain of the supernatural; when I realized that the slight and fragmentary contributions of Braid, Charcot, Obersteiner, Beard, Hammond and Carpenter were so valuable and important that they had laid the foundation of a true mental philosophy; and when I glanced at the multitudinous books written on the subject, both of those who had and those who had not personal experience with mesmerism, and marked the audacious alacrity with which Campili, in Italy; Gilert, La Tourette and Deleuze, in France; and Bovee Dods, Durant and Gregory, in England and America, had derived facts from dreams and dogmas from guesses, it seemed that a plain narrative of my observations might possibly be of service.
This inference was strengthened by the eager interest recently shown by intellectual people. The soireé hypnotiques in Washington have been attended and actively participated in by Secretaries Vilas and Whitney, Postmaster-General Dickinson, Gen. John C. Black, Gov. N.J. Colman, Senators Ingalls, Platt, Palmer, Jones, Spooner, Morgan, and Harris, by admirals, military men, congressmen, supreme judges and authors, ladies and gentlemen who desire to know the latest word that concerns the problems of mind and the development of the race.
Besides this, the Philosophical Society of that city, the most important in the United States, I believe, has held several meetings for the investigation and elucidation of this subject, and shown a disposition to follow up discussion with original research. I am not a physician, and yet I entertain myself and friends with mesmerism; and I submit that the proclamation of Dr. Charcot, from his chair in the Saltpetriere, Paris, that every laic mesmerizer ought to be prohibited by law from “meddling with this dangerous power,” is somewhat cooler than Nova Zembla, in view of the fact that a great layman, Mesmer first brought to the attention of mankind, and was hooted, derided, persecuted, robbed and driven into exile and poverty by the bigoted guild of which Dr. Charcot is so illustrious a member. This is a prohibition that will not prohibit.
One evening at a reception, a curious thing happened. I transported a young man and two ladies to Paris on the magic carpet, and left them enjoying and commenting on the pictures in the Louvre while I turned aside to superintend a personation of the President by another. When I returned to the tourists they had absolutely forgotten me, and I could not in any way make my presence known to them. They did not see my face or hear my voice, but continued their absorbed enjoyment of the great art galleries. I was compelled to unmesmerize them and start again from the beginning.
This same young man proved an expert penman. I filled out a check on the Lincoln Bank of New York City with the sum of $100,000, and then, producing a genuine signature of Cornelius Vanderbilt, I induced him to imitate it with great accuracy in a signature at the bottom of the check, my arrangement with him being that he should have one-half of it when collected. I suggested that I would collect it and then rejoin him; but he was too shrewd and suspicious for that, and insisted on accompanying me to the imaginary bank, informing me with more than the unction of Sairey Gamp, That he would “knock my head off” if I did not “divvy square.” I do not see why a depredating mesmerist might not thus make use of an innocent accessory to complete a felony.
At another reception I was more successful in the matter of burglary. I made private arrangements beforehand with a neighbor half a block off, who concealed a plethoric pocket-book in a bureau drawer upstairs, then locked the bureau, the room and the house, and brought me the three keys. When I had mesmerized my agent I told him he was the famous robber, Dick Turpin, and that I had a job for him. I called his attention to the fact that he was on the earth and must look out where he stepped. I told him where the house was, and described it minutely. I made a diagram of the interior, of the stairs, the room and the bureau, gave him the keys, and introduced to him a “pal” who would keep watch. He asked if there were any dogs. I reassured him on this point, gave him an imaginary revolver, and started him off. I requested some gentleman to follow him, to see that no harm befell him, among whom were General Greely, Senator Kenna, and W.E. Curtis, the well-known journalist.
He went to the house, skirmished slyly about it, and finally unlocked the door, groped his way up the front stairs, unlocked the room and the bureau and got the wallet. Then he began to exceed his instructions by plundering the house * * * He came in noiselessly, but with triumphant air, and demanded three-quarters of the spoil, Which I gave him on the spot — at least to his satisfaction. He left the Bureau open, but locked the doors, on leaving. on being restored to himself, he knew nothing of the adventure.
So it seems obvious to me that burglaries at a little distance, can be committed under the most favorable circumstances by the employment of an innocent agent, who is quite unconscious of any violation of law or of equity. There are strict limitations to this power of vicarious crime, but the possibility that it may occur should be enough to excite the solicitude of neurologists on the one hand, and the attention of jurists on the other.”
The foregoing having established the existence of hypnotism, we are confronted by earnest inquiry regarding its relation to Christian Science. In this connection we find a letter of inquiry published to Brother Joseph Adams, expressive of the frame of mind which induced the writing of this article, as an answer to numerous like inquiries presented to us. We quote as follows:
“The science of any given law or principle is the ability to prove or demonstrate it beyond a doubt, and I ask, is Mesmerism a law or principle that can be proven beyond a doubt, or is it a belief, that the demonstration of Truth will disprove. For myself, I freely say, that if by the light of Christian Science, Mesmerism is an entity, then I prefer the old theology, that teaches one God and one devil, for I always did believe in the supremacy of God, that he would finally overcome the devil. But this teaching that Mesmerism is a subtle force, in every individual, capable of going out to any other individual, and taking possession of them, and making them an instrument for all manner of crimes, I deem a pernicious doctrine, ten thousand times worse than the doctrine of one devil, because it fills the mind with fear, not of one foe, but of millions of invisible foes, and we all know that fear is the most prolific, of all forms of ignorance, in its power for evil.
Now if Mesmerism is not an entity, why teach it; why dwell upon its power to do evil; why not class it along with sin, sickness and other errors, and treat it the same, by denial? I deem it a flagrant piece of inconsistency to select one form of error, and endow it with superior power, thus fill the minds of people with fear that nothing but an understanding of Truth can eradicate. I think that when such doctrine is taught under the guise of Science it is misleading.
To the thinking mind, there is a kind of sanctity, or confidence, carried along with the word science, that naturally throws one off their guard, and the mind might accept an error under that guise that it would otherwise detect at once. The fact that Mesmerism is powerless upon one that does not believe in its accredited powers, but positively denies their existence, is proof enough to me that it is a false belief, and nothing more, and should be treated the same as any other false belief, by denying its very existence.
I know a family that has been through a course of Christian Science instruction that are now living in abject fear. Not being far enough advanced in the understanding to grasp the great Truth, that all is good, and having been told by scientists that Mesmerism was a force that could be used for evil purposes, they accredit their seeming ills of life to the bad effects of their enemies, mesmeric influences. Professed scientists of low degree use it as a controlling force to accomplish their purposes, by imposing upon the credulous in exciting their fears of consequences of the invisible powers of mesmerism; this line of depravity followed out would soon lead to the old days of belief in witchcraft, and in my opinion it is no more a part of Christian Science than the devil is part of Christianity.”
Answer: “In reality there can be but one Science, for Truth is one; an indivisible unit, and inasmuch as Truth is not a material thing, but purely spiritual, it follows that all scientific Truth must be spiritual. But there is a belief of the human mind in what are called “Natural Sciences” which are not the result of spiritual perception, but are based on the testimony of personal sense and the human intellect. Such are the science of astronomy, chemistry, arithmetic, music, etc. These are called sciences, because it has been ascertained by observation, experience and experiment, that there are certain supposed laws in the material universe which operate invariably on a given line of action, and that when these supposed laws are discovered to be in operation, it is known beyond all question that certain results will follow. Just what the human intellect discovered in connection with the material universe, Mesmer, in 1775, thought that he had discovered in the realm of the human mind. That discovery he states in the following propositions: “there exists a mutual influence between the celestial bodies, the earth and animated things. Animal bodies are susceptible to the influence of this agent, disseminating itself through the substance of the nerves.” This invisible agent, supposed to be a subtle fluid passing from one body to another, Mesmer claimed he could use for beneficial purposes. More modern investigation as to the operation of this supposed invisible agent, has coined for us, or brought into prominence, the name of “Hypnotism” which Webster defines as “an abnormal or sleepy condition said to be induced by animal magnetism.” And the belief is, that in this state the subject is entirely at the will of the operator, who can make him do just what he pleases. Thus it will be seen, that animal Magnetism, Mesmerism and Hypnotism are in substance one and the same. Believers in it, claim that it is a real power of the human mind, that it has certain laws of operation, and whoever has learned what those laws are, can by force of will operate in harmony with them, for the accomplishment of certain results with scientific certainty. They declare it to be scientific, because it is proven, but it will be noted, that the belief itself, as well as the proof, belongs entirely to the material and human realm (the unreal) and not to the spiritual, where materiality and beliefs of the laws of materiality are utterly unknown. Now the object of Christian Science is to teach, by spirituality demonstrated truth, just what our brother affirms, that “Mesmerism is not Scientific,” because it has no existence in the realm of reality or Truth, because it perishes with the carnal mind. Our brother cannot understand the teaching of Christian Science on the subject of Mesmerism or he would never think that we invest it with an “entity” any more than we do the belief of sickness. We don’t wonder, that if that were the case, then he should prefer the old theology that teaches one God and one devil.”
Mrs. Eddy says, on page 213 of S. and H., “Animal magnetism has no Scientific principle; for God is the principle of, and governs, all that is real, harmonious and eternal, and his power is neither animal nor human, but divine.” But just as long as the human or carnal mind holds such beliefs as we have shown, and every one knows, who has observed the influence of one human mind over another, it will be necessary to show by proper instruction, that those beliefs are utterly false, because they have no principle of Truth as their basis of support. In giving instruction as to the nature and operation of the subtle beliefs of the human mind which are now known in the scientific world as Hypnotism, we know more invest them with a reality, then we do the beliefs of disease, when by argument and illustration, with line upon line and precept upon precept, we try to show their utter falsity.
“If ignorance of this hypnotic power is and impregnable defense against it, then Christian Science should be condemned for calling attention to it, but if along the pathway in which we have to go, there lurks beliefs of rattlesnakes, which may, or may not injure us, and one who has been along that path has not only found them out, but how they can avoid the least injury from them, and such an one is in a position to tell us how we can find them out and avoid them also, and does it not, then such an one according to scripture testimony is a sinner.
“To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Mrs. Eddy has simply done what the government surveyors of the ocean have done. Marked on their charts the shoals, rapid currents, sunken rocks, bars and quicksand, where ships are liable to be wrecked. In this, she has only followed in the wake of the master and his apostles. Read the parable of Jesus on the householder who sowed good seed in his field, but while the servants slept an enemy came and sowed tares.
Read, also, the interpretation of the parable of the sower how that the enemy for want of watchfulness and a knowledge of the mode of his operations destroyed three-fourths of the good seed sown. Hear the words of Paul in the last part of his letter to the members of the church at Ephesus. Chap. 6, verse 10-18. —
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that he may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
All this and much more that we might quote from Scripture, is a description of the operations of the carnal mind, which the scientific men of our day call Mesmerism and Hypnotism.
Shall we be silent, and not warn our students against it? Nay verily, we have personally felt, and seen too much suffering in the belief of others as the result of ignorance of these devices of Satan — personalized evils — to hold our peace. We reiterate the words of Jesus, “Watch, let’s see enter into temptation.” Your adversary the devil, (carnal mind) goeth about, in personalities, under the guise of friends, yet they are wolves in sheep’s clothing, “seeking whom they may devour.” “Wherefore” as Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Our brother is greatly mistaken if he supposes that Christian Science “teaches that every individual is capable of going out to another individual and making of them an instrument of all manner of crimes.” It does nothing of the kind. It simply affirms, that personalities, not individuals, have beliefs of a power by which they can influence and control other personalities to commit crimes for which the actors are not morally responsible. If this is not the case, then the French government must have been fooled by scientific men into legislation for the purpose of arresting this mesmeric or hypnotic power. It was supposed at the time, that no person could be influenced by Mesmerism without consent, but Professor Carpenter of Boston has demonstrated that no person is invulnerable to this subtle action of mortal mind unless they know and are living in the truth. Christian Science teaches that inasmuch as this belief of mesmerism is not an entity, but simply a belief of the carnal mind (and that the most subtle and powerful, because of its invisible modes of action) it can be utterly dissipated by an understanding of the truth, which uncovers this belief of mortal mind, and that there is in reality, but one Intelligence, one force or power, and that is God, everywhere present good, who is Life, Truth and Love.
Our brother says teaching Mesmerism fills the mind with fear. It does, if you teach the people that it is a reality, a veritable something, but Christian Science never does that, but it does tear off the mask of this seeming power of the carnal mind, and shows it to be nothing. It is ignorance that is the mother of fear, not knowledge. Christian Science gives the truth, and shows that all beliefs concerning another power are utterly false, and in so doing it sets the people free. Imperfect teaching, and imperfect apprehension of that which is taught concerning the nature and antidote of the belief of Mesmerism is no argument against the teachings of Christian Science any more than the character of hypocrites in an argument against Christianity. If our brother wishes to know why in Christian Science we specify mesmerism more than any other form of error, we answer for ourselves, we do it because after many years of experience and observation we have proved mesmerism to be the highest attenuation of the carnal mind, and capable in mortal belief of doing more mischief than all other forms of belief, indeed, we have found it to be the mother of all others, and because of that, we aim, by the understanding of the Truth to kill the mother, for we know, if success shall crown our efforts in that direction, the children are sure to die for want of sustenance.”
Our brother says truly, when he calls Mesmerism the “mother” of all lesser ills of life. This is so true, that we may with safety treat every case coming under our care against Mesmerism — self deception — with a certainty that our blow has been aimed at the very head of the serpent. Some ask, “why is it all this has just been found out, our parents and grandparents did not know anything about hypnotism, or animal magnetism?” Yes, they did, but they called it by another name. They called it a horned devil with hoofs and tail. Later it became quite a respectable looking personal devil. Later it was known as evil spirits, who haunt the children of men. Now in the light of science, we find its name to be self-deception, or a belief that something is true, which is not true at all.
Destroy your false belief, and you destroy the devil who has been reigning ten times ten thousand years. Surely we should fear it less than ever before, now that we know its name, nature, and hiding place.
When we first begin to lay hold with our minds, of God’s goodness and omnipresence, we are very apt to lay hold of the belief of animal magnetism — omnipresence. We cannot too soon hasten to that understanding which brings us glad knowledge that good is positive and active, while its opposite, evil, is negative and inactive. The major portion of Mental Healing at this time partakes largely of the mesmeric. The distinction which marks the difference between magnetic and spiritual healing, is in the character of the healer, who will do spiritual healing, in proportion, as he is more or less spiritual in thought-quality. Everybody who believes he has life of his own, everybody who believes in good and evil, everybody who believes that so-called matter has life, substance or sensation of its own, everybody who indulges in anger, jealousy, selfishness, pride, avarice, hatred, cruelty, fault-finding, anxiety, fear, sickness, sorrow, weakness or poverty, allows his effort at healing with mesmeric taint, to just to that degree in which he indulges.
Have we then no divine healing on earth today? We have but to look at our mediocre results for our answer. When through denials of all fleshly claims, our minds shall have become washed of their errors, we too, will say, “Lazarus come forth.” Oh, students be vigilant. Use all your spare time in denial of your personal errors. Are you jealous? Work day and night until it is slain — denial is sure destruction to it. are you deceitful? Watch your every word and act, until deceit is dead. Are you quick-tempered? By denial you shall prove ill-temper, a delusion — a nothing. Forewarned is forearmed. We would not have you ignorant concerning the times. This great spiritual awakening which has thrown its belt around our world, is the second coming of our Lord — Truth to reign in the hearts of the people.
The sixth seal has been opened, “and the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman,” are almost ready to hide themselves in the rocks of the mountains. For the great day of his wrath is come; who shall be able to stand?” Those only, who have washed their robes in the “blood of the lamb,” or, clothed their minds with the words of Truth, or, who live innocently.
But says one: “All this is very mixed in my mind, I cannot tell just what to deny and what to affirm.” True, this undertaking will be yours only after patient work with what you already know. It is your privilege however to know more with each new day. In Divine Science, there is no inharmony, so, in your affairs, everything which inharmonious, painful or cruel stands for rejection. Deny it with all your might, say: “You shall bring only good to me.” then whatever comes, know it is best for your growth, and gently receive it, nothing complaining.
God nothing does,
Or suffers to be done;
But thou thyself would’st do —
If thou could’st see
The end of all events,
As well as He.
In proportion as the everywhereness of the good comes to be realized, devil — evil — mesmerism — self-deception error will flee. If it were an entity, a reality, it could never be destroyed, for God made all that was made, and His creations are eternal.