SOME RELATIONS OF MIND AND BODY. l^O 



The processes of the supra -conscious mind, " the sphere of the 

 spirit life," as Dr. Schofield terms it, are not to be apprehended by 

 the conscious mind. Faith which is a virtue in the case of the one 

 is a ci"ime in the case of the other. The supra-conscious mind has 

 no relation with mental powers or logical faculties. 



In regard to mental therapeutics, I confess that I sec much 

 difficulty in coming to anything like definite conclusions. 



I have said that in ordinary health any attempt to dominate tlie 

 faculties, and so produce unconsciousness or perverted mental func- 

 tions, is in my opinion nothing less than a sin. I do not, of course, 

 affirm that in certain states of disease hypnotism is unjustifiable. 

 I have personally obtained evidence that a salutary change maybe 

 thus induced ; only the process must be undertaken with a due 

 sense of responsibility on the part of the hypnotiser. 



In more ordinary ways it is clearly proved that the influence of 

 one mind upon another may be of great service for good. Witness 

 in childhood and youth the effect on body and spirit of one who 

 " doth teach high thought and amiable words and courtliness and 

 the desire of fame, and love of truth and all that makes a man " 

 (Tennyson) — and, alas ! the converse. 



Undoubtedly naental therapeutics can be potent for good by 

 rousing faith, by awakening the dormant will, and also, where 

 recovery to life on this side of the grave is impossible, by inducing 

 a state of happy resignation and trustful hope of a future and 

 more blissful life. 



