The difference between Christian Science Mind-healing and hypnotism is clearly shown in our Leader's writings, and many of the students of her works have helped to illustrate this distinction by demonstrating what Christian Science is and what it does. Those who are most familiar with what is termed hypnotic suggestion are now admitting very readily that there is a fundamental difference between their methods and Christian Science. Apropos of this, is an article recently published in the New York Sun, in which a distinguished physician is reported as saying, —
My system is not akin to Christian Science. To begin with, Christian Science is a religion, with which hypnotic suggestion has nothing to do. Furthermore hypnotic suggestion differs from Christian Science in that hypnosis is exact, scientific, takes into consideration the peculiarities of particular cases and recognizes limitations. We cannot cure a hole in the lungs or a heart lesion by hypnotic suggestion. Christian Science, on the other hand, makes claim to do anything
As the last statement is somewhat uncertain, we would say that the doctor is right if he means that Christian Scientists claim all power for God — and not only so, but they maintain that the Divine power is ceaselessly operative, and that the power which called the worlds into being and holds each in its orbit can easily repair "a hole in the lungs," or restore the human heart, whatever may be its condition. It is important to note here, that nothing less than the Divine power can work any great and beneficial change in the human mind or body, no matter to whom or to what such change may be attributed. If, as the Bible declares, God heals the sick as well as reforms the sinner, there can be no limit to His power; it becomes wholly a question of human recognition and receptivity.
