Mental healing

Contents

PAGE

Preface to the Fifth Edition . xv

I. HEALTH THE BIRTHRIGHT OF

MANKIND, 25

II. METAPHYSICAL HEALING:

Its Nature and Scope, .... 43

III. METAPHYSICS versus HYPNOTISM:

Is Mind Cure Mesmerism? ... 65

IV. THE POTENCY OF METAPHYSICS IN

SURGERY :

Does Mental Healing Claim to Replace Surgery? 81

V. THE PROGRESS OF THE AGE:

Universal Ether and Telepathy, . . 93

VI. INTELLIGENCE AND SENSATION:

The Office of the Senses, .... 109

VII. MENTAL ACTION:

The Process of Thought, .... 123

VIII. THE PHYSICAL REFLECTION OF THOUGHT : Bodily Expression, 137

IX. THE MENTAL ORIGIN OF DISEASE:

Thought Images, 153

X. CURATIVE INFLUENCES:

What Is a Mental Cure? . . . . 169

XL THE PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF ANGER:

How Mental Action Causes Disease, . 1S5

XII. THE INFLUENCE OF FEAR IN SICKNESS:

Discordant Emotion and Its Results, . 197

XIII. ILLUSTRATIVE CASES:

Cures That Have Been Effected, . . . 213

XIV. CURES THAT FIAVE BEEN EFFECTED

(Cont'd) : Various Effects of Fright, . 225

XV. MUSCULAR AND INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS:

Heart Disease, Fevers and Colds, . . 239

XVI. THE COMMON GROUND OF HEALING METHODS:

Why Do Conflicting Theories Heal? . 255 XVII. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MOVEMENT 271

PREFATORY

Preface To The First Edition

During the years in which the curative influence of mental practice has been demonstrated, there has developed a quiet yet earnest appreciation of the importance of the work. This is naturally expressed in a constantly increasing demand for some book that shall give a correct idea of what Mental Healing is, and what may reasonably be expected to result from an understanding of its principles. To meet this growing demand for information of a practical nature, the present volume has been prepared, with the belief that the results of experience must prove of value to earnest inquirers.

In planning its scope and entering into the detail of explanation, it is recognized that the subject will be new to many readers, and that in some instances the established facts will run counter to accepted theories of life, even as the results of practice contrast with the consequences of acting upon more familiar theories. Also, that the usages of language necessary for intelligible explanation of metaphysical principles are in a measure unfamiliar to those who have not made these principles a study; therefore,

IX those usages can not be strictly adhered to without detracting from the usefulness of the book.

The subject deals minutely with nearly every field of mental research, and to explain each point in detail would require a volume of such proportions that few would find it available ; indeed, it is so extensive and so absorbingly interesting that the temptation to become voluminous in explanation of either theory or practice is almost irresistible. In view of these considerations, and in order that the present work may cover the broadest field of usefulness, it becomes important that it should be somewhat limited in extent, yet of sufficient clearness to convey to those unfamiliar with the nomenclature not only a correct impression of the Ideas involved, but of their practical value to humanity.

The principal aim has been to present concisely those ideas most important to a general understanding of the natural relation existing between life and health, together with an explanation of the laws which render Mental Healing possible. Another purpose has been to set forth the demonstrated facts of Metaphysical Healing, in such a manner that inquiring minds may be enabled personally to examine, through the experiences of those around them, some of the common lines of mental action in which proofs are obtainable that mind both causes and cures disease. To accomplish all this successfully in one small

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volume is no simple task, and a consideration of the difficulties involved will insure the indulgence of the critical reader.

Xo claim is made to original conception of idea with regard to the theory of cure by mental influence exerted through the imaging faculty. Though practically new to Western thinkers, this idea, in some form or other, has existed for centuries in the Orient. It has also been demonstrated and taught to a moderate extent by some of those interested in the Mental Healing movement for the past thirty years ; yet its importance seems to have been underrated, and it appears to have been frequently set aside in favor of theories offering greater allurements — theories which, perhaps, appeal more to the emotions than to the faculties of intelligence exerted through intellectual and scientific thought.

The claim made for this work is, that it presents — though in a form necessarily limited — the results of experience derived from many years of constant study of mental influences and their physical effects, in a practice of wide extent, maintained among people of high grades of intelligence, where the action of the mind could be observed in all its varying phases. The most careful and painstaking tests have been made of all modes of mental action met with, and of their various correspondencies in the physical system. This studv has been conducted without bias of am

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sort, and with the one purpose always foremost: to extract from amidst the mass of conflicting theories and of confusing testimony frequently advanced, the fundamental truth of the Mental Healing movement — a truth so evident in many of its results of practice. This investigation has developed facts of human existence heretofore unrecognized by modern thinkers, and principles of life-action not generally taught even in the advanced Schools of Mental Healing.

Careful study shows that the Imaging Faculty of Mind is the instrument of human existence. This being true, it follows that only through the natural laws by which Mind images Ideas can any real mode of action in human life become established. On examination, this statement proves to be a Truth that withstands every form of honest investigation — the hotter the fire, the brighter and purer the metal which emerges from the flames.

The writer entertains the opinion that Absolute Truth can safely invite any amount of careful investigation, together with the most thorough and accurate tests that can be applied through logic, reason and philosophical thought, or in scientific experiment of the most accurate description; in fact, the closer such investigation keeps to actual facts, the more staunch and immovable stands the idea under examination, provided it be the Truth.

So-called Truth which depends upon an effer-

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vescing, emotional sentiment for either recognition or practical application, will vanish as soon as its effervescence has reached the natural limit of its simulated action; and a "Truth" which must be taken on the statement of others, because it will not bear independent investigation, has no attractions for any thinker capable of appropriating and bringing into useful development the facts of universal reality. Extended explanation of the various topics of each subject contained within this philosophy, will be given in separate works calculated to deal with each subject independently in so far as is found practicable. It is thought, however, that the present volume may prove valuable as an introduction to all lines of study of this really inexhaustible subject, by means of the explanation given of Mental Action and its natural pliysical effect, which is the key to many of the mysteries of human existence.

Leanber Edmund Whipple.

New York, April, 1893.

Preface To The Fifth Edition

Since this book first appeared there has been a remarkable awakening of thought in metaphysical lines and especially in the direction of the healing power of the mind. To understand this and thereby gain the advantages which it affords, has become almost the chief aim of many who then had not even heard of the system of thought or the possibility of its power.

Many letters have been received from deeply interested students and others who recognize the far-reaching qualities of the ideas upon which rest the facts of action presented in the healing theories. These letters show a great desire for something reliable to rest upon as a foundation for sound health and for wholeness of thought in all phases of life.

It will perhaps seem presumptuous to claim such results as these for the system of thought which, in a meager way, this book represents. Such is its work, however, and extension of the ideas contained in its teaching invariably leads in that direction.

Wholeness of thought, when continued, eventually results in soundness of bodily health and perfection of mental life, It finally arouses the deeper spiritual

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activities of the intelligence and demonstrates the vital understanding that wholeness of being is a fact — living, active and always present for those who recognize it. With many individuals this fact has now become a settled conviction.

In this advancement new possibilities are recognized for nearly all lines of action in human experience. Indeed, this is the natural result of a right comprehension of the depth and scope possible to thought when it is based upon reality and truth. The application of such thought to one phase of life immediately shows its adaptability to other phases also. In this way its universality is demonstrated. The science of the system goes beyond mere money-getting — it reaches to health-building. The philosophy extends above theory-structure — it embraces soul-culture and uplifts the mind until it recognizes its own powers which have their root in spiritual energy. Then things which formerly were impossible are accomplished at a turn of the hand. This system of thought, therefore, possesses an interest for mankind that extends beyond the scope of mere personal advantage, either in health or in the gaining of possessions — It is a character-builder; a developer of the understanding; a force-producer; a civilizer of the sense-nature and a spiritualizing influence to the mind.

These results are possible in the realization that accompanies the understanding of this philosophy. They

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are, as yet, only partly recognized, but the minds that have already comprehended the facts will further develop the knowledge, and in various ways will constantly aid others to recognize it also.

This growth of comprehension contains the possibility of the evolvement of a new generation of mankind, possessing greater intellect and increased power in all ways, because of more wisdom and clearer spiritual understanding. This important regeneration has already begun to flow in upon intellectual life. Let us help to swell the tide, in such ways as we may be able.

The suggestions given in this book lead in the direction of such understanding as this, and its closer readers have recognized the fact. Many letters have been received from persons in various parts of the world, stating that they have just re-read the book for the third or fourth time, having gained new insight from each reading, but that now a deeper meaning is discovered which discloses ideas not before recognized. This is eminently true of all genuine metaphysical thought. Between all of the ideas expressed, there are unwritten thoughts almost without number, and the awakened mind will evolve them in its understanding.

The suggestive thoughts offered here can be fully expressed only in more extensive works. But in their mere suggestiveness rests, to some, a great value ; because the suggestions arouse thought and develop

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activities of the intelligence and demonstrates the vital understanding that wholeness of being is a fact — living, active and always present for those who recognize it. With many individuals this fact has now become a settled conviction.

In this advancement new possibilities are recognized for nearly all lines of action in human experience. Indeed, this is the natural result of a right comprehension of the depth and scope possible to thought when it is based upon reality and truth. The application of such thought to one phase of life immediately shows its adaptability to other phases also. In this way its universality is demonstrated. The science of the system goes beyond mere money-getting — it reaches to health-building. The philosophy extends above theory-structure — it embraces soul-culture and uplifts the mind until it recognizes its own powers which have their root in spiritual energy. Then things which formerly were impossible are accomplished at a turn of the hand. This system of thought, therefore, possesses an interest for mankind that extends beyond the scope of mere personal advantage, either in health or in the gaining of possessions — It is a character-builder; a developer of the understanding; a force-producer; a civilizer of the sense-nature and a spiritualizing influence to the mind.

These results are possible in the realization that accompanies the understanding of this philosophy. They

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are, as yet, only partly recognized, but the minds that have already comprehended the facts will further develop the knowledge, and in various ways will constantly aid others to recognize it also.

This growth of comprehension contains the possibility of the evolvement of a new generation of mankind, possessing greater intellect and increased power in all ways, because of more wisdom and clearer spiritual understanding. This important regeneration has already begun to flow in upon intellectual life. Let us help to swell the tide, in such ways as we may be able.

The suggestions given in this book lead in the direction of such understanding as this, and its closer readers have recognized the fact. Many letters have been received from persons in various parts of the world, stating that they have just re-read the book for the third or fourth time, having gained new insight from each reading, but that now a deeper meaning is discovered which discloses ideas not before recognized. This is eminently true of all genuine metaphysical thought. Between all of the ideas expressed, there are unwritten thoughts almost without number, and the awakened mind will evolve them in its understanding.

The suggestive thoughts offered here can be fully expressed only in more extensive works. But in their mere suggestiveness rests, to some, a great value; because the suggestions arouse thought and develop

XVIII

original comprehension of ideas, which, after all, is the only true learning.

When this book was first published, in 1893, the statements made in it were by some readers considered to be overdrawn ; and occasionally a critic prophesied an early abandonment of its theories. These were its superficial readers. Others remarked that it would be principally a book of the future rather than of the present. This prediction seems to have been proved partly true, for the book now sells better than when first issued. To some, its chief field of influence seems to belong to a period somewhat ahead of the present time. This may be the case, but it is doing good pioneer w r ork now. It provokes thought with minds that have been drifting with the tide of accepted opinion. Vast numbers of intelligent people have begun to think in liberal ways and are now entirely ready for intelligible thought in other lines of advancement. This want must be supplied.

In its earlier editions, this volume has generally received very fair criticism. The genuine praises bestowed upon it would in themselves almost fill a volume. Highly appreciative letters from deep-thinking people are constantly being received from various parts of the world.

Through reading and study, many individuals have developed a desire for deeper knowledge on the subject of mental healing than is presented in the

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general literature. For such this book is intended, as a forerunner of a thoroughly systematic presentation of the subject of healing on scientific and philosophic ground., which has been prepared since this volume was written.

The project of compiling a book in which the whole system and its procedures should be set forth intelligently, which project was entered upon immediately after the issue of the first edition of this volume, led to a careful elaboration of the whole subject. In this w r ork it w r as soon recognized, however, that more than a single additional volume would be required for the purpose. The ideas involved in the subject are so extensive and contain so many beautiful propositions for thought, and their applications exhibit such possibilities of power and usefulness in life, that there is no end to the thought in any of the lines of action involved. The requirements of an adequate practice demand thorough teaching ; and as the ideas are new to the average investigator, much careful thought and thorough description become necessary.

And, again, when troubles to which people are subjected, in their almost hopeless struggle to live, without knowing how, are brought before the notice, recognition of the great need of a general dissemination of such a knowledge as this system of thought contains, becomes an impulse to renewed efforts

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in preparing the material for the beginning of its work, that it may be both correct and effective. Difficulties, however, become trifles when we realize the eventual good that may come through the general spread of a philosophy in which rests for the hopeless, renewed life, and for those who have felt the rod, a balm for every wound.

Every statement made in the original writing of this book has since been verified repeatedly in practice. In the present revision, therefore, no change of ideas seems to be demanded. Improvement of expression and extension of the general description appear to be what is mainly required. The first of these has been somewhat attempted in this revision, and occasional thoughts have been added, together with one new chapter. The main work of extension of the teaching, however, must be accomplished through the writing of additional volumes.

With this end in view, several volumes have been prepared in a careful elucidation of the whole subject. These will soon be presented. The full work as it now stands contains a complete exposition of the metaphysical system of healing by the use of the powers of the mind. Everything that is actually known to be true about the genuine power to heal, is made plain in this extended work. The magnitude of this work is such that it could not

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have been even approached in a volume of this size.

The subject matter of the present volume and of those to follow has been prepared entirely from the basis of demonstration in the healing art — no undemonstrated theories having been allowed to bear witness. Ten years of time has been expended upon the writing, itself, and ten years had been given to constant study, teaching and practical healing before the writing was begun.

The impossibility of including the full teaching in this book is the only apology that can be offered for its shortcoming in that respect. It is believed, however, that this will, to an appreciable extent, be overcome in the succeeding volumes of the work, which have been made very thorough and lucid.

With renewed hopes for the further usefulness of this venturesome little volume, it is again submitted to the intelligent comprehension of the public mind, where it is certain to receive its just deserts.

Leander Edmund Whipple.

New York, August, 1905.

Chapter I. Health The Birthright Of Mankind

To each individual of the human family, the possession of health for himself and for the community in which he resides is a subject of the utmost importance. With thinking people the question soon arises how it may be secured and how retained. Especially is this true with those who desire to search into causes and their results, Avith a view to lessening danger or increasing safeguards. Many expedients are suggested, but their effectiveness is often a matter of serious doubt and in many instances of open skepticism. Results frequently belie them.

No intelligent observer will deny that at the present time diseases on the physical plane are constantly increasing both in number and variety of type. It is equally certain that the intensity of many of the recognized forms of disease, and their consequent menace to human life, are on the

26 MEDICINE INADEQUATE.

increase, as is evidenced in the frequent complication of one form of disease with another and in their fatality, with all classes of people.

This multiplying of diseases is attended with a confusing variety of asserted remedies which are mostly combinations of drugs with unpronounceable names, and each apparently lauded higher than its predecessors. If with this increase of remedies there could be perceived a corresponding lessening of either the number or the fatality of diseases, there might be good reason for confidence in a final conquest over the dread enemy. But alas ! this desirable result does not appear or even show a sign of appearing. In numbers of instances the physician, having seemingly obtained control of one disease, witnesses the quick precipitation of his patient into another, perhaps more intractable, under which the sufferer frequently passes beyond the control of all powers known to materia mcdica. The situation than becomes hopeless.

The frequency of this experience forces upon us the supposition that, after all the research and experiment carried on during the thousands of years of the history of medical practice, there is still something lacking in the medical curriculum — something of vital importance yet undisclosed in that method which endeavors to account for disease as it appears, and to apply the effective remedy.

POTENCY OF THE HIGHER NATURE. 27

Medical practice fails to relieve too great a number of cases which are actually curable to rank as an exact science. A drug considered as a remedy for human ills, is at best a doubtful agency.

While cringing under affliction, however, it is not necessary to bow to the result, presuming that a monster has come into existence of such power as to be unconquerable. Intelligent man will never believe this. Even in the presence of repeated failure he still maintains the superconscious conviction that the enemy — be it entity or error — is conquerable, and that research will yet disclose an adequate means of effective cure for his ailments.

The human mind is so constituted that it cannot be entirely and permanently deceived. In the midst of the deepest delusion there is an internal "something'' that continues to speak of hope and that forces a conviction of truth which impels thought in the direction of salvation from the impending disaster. He believes that some power will save him.

This is the inner voice of the higher nature. Its promptings preclude the entire yielding of either body or mind to fate, under any circumstances. It holds out the light of understanding so distinctly that however far one may go aside in the path of experiment, the conviction still remains that truth exists in relation to the matter and may be found. The materialistic medical dogma of the age

28 THE LIVING TRUTH WITHIN.

drags a man down almost to the depths of despair with regard to his own safety and that of his loved ones. Yet, under the action of a divine impulse to recognize the reality of being, the human mind finally turns to its own interior consciousness for guidance and instruction. Listening to the voice of the living truth within himself, which always acts to keep him from the brink, intelligent man learns that disease so-called is not a monster created to work his ruin and that he is not at its mercy; but, instead, that health is an eternal reality of his being — his natural birthright and heritage! It bespeaks the nature of the Father active within his own being. This gives him true faith.

This inspiration of truth leads man to think independent of scholastic authority; to investigate beyond the rules which have been established in matter. Here the pure and natural activities of life become apparent. He then perceives that health is his lawful possession, by virtue of the activity of the real forces of his being. Having through external reasoning gone aside from the paths of healthful existence, he may return and thus regain his inheritance of health native in the wholeness of being. Here he evolves a spiritual conception which, upon application to life and its various activities, is found to contain exactly the fruits of the promise ; and the proof of his conviction that

RIGHT THINKING. 29

disease can surely be conquered is finally reached.

The right remedy for diseased conditions is found in such a mode of right thinking as shall re-establish wholesome activities in the entire economy. The first step that really leads in this direction is the. superconscious act of turning away from materiality to the inner nature. The concept of healing which is thus evolved, starts from the facts of the higher spiritual nature and is built wholly upon them. No sure and reliable curative agency is found until this most important step is taken, and clearly understood.

Even the mental processes of reasoning, through which action is evolved, prove upon examination to be pure spiritual processes. They are entirely immaterial both in nature and application. The moment that a full realization of this principle takes place the power is found to be at hand, active for the permanent good of both operator and recipient. The beneficent power of the spiritual principle of this inner nature is all-persuasive and all-inclusive. Nothing that breathes is excluded from the healing influences of its wholeness and perfection.

In none of its activities does the inner nature bear the slightest resemblance to matter or to material action. It is subject to no material rules, it conforms to no so-called physical laws. Yet every enduring physical science is obliged to yield

30 THE EXACTNESS OF MATHEMATICS.

obedience to the mandates of its spiritual principle as expressed in its wholeness of action, harmony of law, perfection of character, equality of judgment and exactitude in every proceeding. Nothing short of this endures in scientific understanding. It bears the permanent character of spiritual reality.

In illustration of this precept, consider the perfection and exactitude of Mathematics. While it is the basis of every physical science and must be reckoned with in every calculation, even the most material in character, yet it is wholly immaterial itself, its rules being simply the multiform expression of the spiritual principle — the exact equation of all the parts of a grand whole. There can be no deviation from the wholeness of mathematical principle in any transaction in mathematics. In the light of this understanding it may be clearly seen that the power which shall fulfill the promise of complete, permanent and universal healing must be a spiritual power possessing unlimited energy.

Such a power is at hand. Its discovery came through a process of thought made possible only by the exercise of spiritual faculties, and its teaching is a spiritual truth of fundamental reality, the activities of which are endless life. In the endlessness of its life may be found the wholeness of health, and only through this wholeness can the endlessness be recognized. The operations of the

THE SPIRITUALITY OF MIND. 31

mind may be made to conform to the exactness of spiritual principle ; and when they do, all mental powers will be increased. In this the mind operates from a forceful center within the consciousness.

The process of evolving the concept of spiritual understanding, in such a way that it shall bring health to all who come under its beneficent rays, is a spiritual process of reason realized through exercising the native forces of the mind. In it both the theory and the process are mental, involving nothing material in the act.

The curative change which takes place with the sufTering victim of the delusion of physical disease, is also, from its very inception, a purely mental or spiritual change. The correspondingly changed condition of the body is a result brought about through the subconscious change that has taken place in the mind. It is a physical result of mental action. This shows the healing procedure as well as the healing intention to be mental — a natural restoration to health. In this way mental healing becomes established as a fact, even in the midst of a degree of sense-illusion which makes it seem impossible. The image of a fear of disease is based upon materialistic thought; this contains the seeds of disease. The thought which removes the image rests upon spiritual reasoning; herein rests the possibility of a permanent cure.

32 THE SIMPLICITY OF POWER.

Spirit transcends matter in all ways, and is permanent in all its activities. Its forces are real.

As with every important discovery, the true healing process is as simple as the shining of light ; and to one who understands rightly, the healing act becomes as easy as it is to see in the presence of light. Its operations are as much more powerful and far-reaching than those of the materialistic theories, as the results of the simple principles in mechanics are more powerful than the cruder though frequently more complicated mechanisms.

The part of man's being which possesses the power to think, reason, feel and know a principle of action, is more powerful in operation than anything physical ; and the human mind, acting through spiritual faculties, by virtue of the knowledge gained through evolutionary inheritance, has the power of dominion over every lower order of life or action. This fact has been known in some parts of the world for ages, and used with good effect.

There always prevails with every mind, through all the vicissitudes of life, a full belief that health and happiness are the normal conditions of mankind, and that disease, suffering and unhappiness, in whatever form they may appear, are abnormal and undesirable conditions, to be avoided at every turn. Nothing can shake this inner conviction.

It seems to have fallen to the lot of the medical

THE MICROBE DELUSION. 33

student of the present "enlightened" age to recognize the appalling fact that some very diminutive animal, so infinitesimally minute that a thousandpower microscope fails to discover his corporature, possesses such superhuman power as readily to overthrow all. calculations of the combined mental and spiritual faculties of the human race, while it coolly proceeds to devour man's body and destroy his life. If this theory be true it might also condemn his soul, for aught we know, the power of one such act being quite consistent with the other.