IT is pleasing to have read recently, the stand being made by some of our area clergy against hypnotic practice.

The dangers of hypnotic or mesmeric practice was published in the year 1875 by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science movement.

In her textbook Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, she outlines in chapter five under the title of 'Animal Magnetism Unmasked' how mesmeric influences are far removed from the pure Christ healing which was revealed to her after much research of the Scriptures. A Channel Four documentary 'The Toronto Blessing' revealed the mass mesmerism imposed on vulnerable people, who were made to believe that this was an act of God.

We only need to refer to the Bible to find that, in the accounts of the healings done by Christ Jesus, nowhere is it recorded that he made anyone unconscious to heal them - all were freed when they accepted Christ.

His words were: "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).

KATHLEEN HALL (Mrs), Shelley Drive, Baxenden, Accrington.

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