ABNORMAL IMPRESSIONS. 261 



in the mind or body of the child. Were it not 

 repeated, or were it counteracted by an opposing 

 impression or suggestion, its effect would be 

 largely or entirely overcome. 



To prevent abnormalities I would suggest : ( i ) 

 Ignore all thought of the possibility of producing 

 them. They rarely occur, except where the mother 

 and foetus are both very susceptible and are sel- 

 dom of such a character as to be a great mis- 

 fortune. (2) The susceptible mother should cul- 

 tivate a calm, self-possessed, constant, independ- 

 ent nature, refusing to respond to any outside Self-control 

 influence or condition, except those tending toE 58611 ^ 

 produce favorable results. By practice almost 

 any one can so control her nature that no other 

 person or ordinary external condition can influ- 

 ence her. This may require much training on 

 the part of some, but it is a condition that should 

 be attained by all. 



Every soul should strive for absolute freedom. 

 It should be subject to no one, but have the power 

 to choose what it will or will not accept. To The Soul Should 

 gain this freedom one should cultivate individual- ce * 

 ity and learn to make definite decisions. Repeat- 

 edly affirm, "I have absolute self-control." "I 

 can say yes or no to every emotion, desire or feel- 

 ing and compel its obedience to my will." "I am 

 free from every undesirable influence." "Nothing . 

 shall or can disturb my mental harmony." (3) p^^^ 

 She should place implicit faith in nature and na- Nature's God. 

 ture's God that all will be well. Perfect trust in 

 the Infinite Life as expressed in all nature, and 

 the complete abandonment of all thought of weak- 

 ness, or evil results, are the best preventives of 



