LESSON ONE.

THE HEALING FORCE.

In taking up the question of self-healing, I should say first that, to me, all the various methods of healing by the power of the mind are simply different forms of applying the same force. I think that the various practitioners of Suggestive Therapeutics Suggestive Therapeutics: An early psychological term for what we now call hypnotherapy or the clinical use of suggestion to influence health., Mental Science Mental Science: A philosophy within the New Thought movement asserting that the mind can control bodily functions and material conditions., Christian Science, Faith Cure, and all the rest are using the same great force; the only difference is in the method of application.

Of course, this statement will be immediately and vigorously disputed by the earnest advocates of one method or another, each of whom will claim that his particular way is the only real way and that all the others are base imitations. Nonsense! Nobody has a monopoly on Truth, or a "corner" original: "a corner on knowing"—a metaphor for having exclusive control over a market or information. on knowledge. "Treatments" of every conceivable nature have been given by all people in all ages—and all achieved cures. It seems to me that I am justified in assuming that all these different methods of cure, including more recent methods, have simply been the use of one great force of Nature. This great force was latent latent: existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed. within the individual treated and was called into play by the suggestive influence of the various methods and ceremonies employed.

Now, do not misunderstand me about this matter of outside influence. I believe that many healers have certain mental qualities, developed by practice, which enable them...