Section 1—The Study of the Mind
Chapter 3—Dangers in Psychology (Part 1)
Satan a Student of the Mind—For thousands of years Satan has been experimenting upon the properties of the human mind, and he has learned to know it well. By his subtle workings in these last days he is linking the human mind with his own, imbuing it with his thoughts; and he is doing this work in so deceptive a manner that those who accept his guidance know not that they are being led by him at his will. The great deceiver hopes so to confuse the minds of men and women that none but his voice will be heard.—Letter 244, 1907
Satan Master of Subtle Arts—Satan is continually seeking to influence human minds by his subtle arts. His is a mastermind, given of God, but prostituted with all its noble capabilities to oppose and to make of no effect the counsels of the Most High.—The Signs of the Times, September 18, 1893. (Our High Calling, 210.)
He Comes in Disguise—Satan’s plans and devices are soliciting us on every hand. We should ever remember that he comes to us in disguise, covering his motives and the character of his temptations. He comes in garments of light, clad apparently in pure angel robes, that we may not discern that it is he. We need to use great caution, to closely investigate his devices, lest we be deceived.—Manuscript 34, 1897. (Our High Calling, 88.)
Misuse of Sciences Pertaining to the Mind—In these days when skepticism and infidelity so often appear in a scientific garb, we need to be guarded on every hand. Through this means our great adversary is deceiving thousands and leading them captive according to his will. The advantage he takes of the sciences, sciences which pertain to the human mind, is tremendous. Here, serpent-like, he imperceptibly creeps in to corrupt the work of God.
This entering in of Satan through the sciences is well devised. Through the channel of phrenology, psychology, and mesmerism, [Note: In this statement as published in The Signs of the Times, November 6, 1884, Mrs. White drew heavily from, and somewhat clarified a statement published originally in, The Review and Herald, February 18, 1862, now in Testimonies for the Church 1:290-302.
The reference to phrenology, psychology, and mesmerism, as here combined, describing the manner in which Satan takes advantage of the human mind, may seem a bit obscure to one not familiar with the literature of the time and its emphasis. Scientific works devoted to physiology and the care of the sick carried advertising lists at the back informing the public of literature available. One such work, The Water Cure Manual (284 pages), published in 1850 by Fowlers and Wells, carries a list of 65 different works on physical and mental health, and of these, 23 are devoted to phrenology, psychology, mesmerism, and clairvoyance. We reproduce here a few items:
Elements of Animal Magnetism; or, Process and Practical Application for Relieving Human Suffering. $.12 1/2
Familiar Lessons on Phrenology and Physiology. Muslin, in one volume. Beautifully Illustrated. $2.00
Fascination; or the Philosophy of Charming (Magnetism). Illustrating the principles of life. Illustrated. $.40
Lectures on the Philosophy of Mesmerism and Clairvoyance. With instruction in its process and practical application. $.25
Psychology, or the Science of the Soul. With engravings of the nervous system. By Joseph Haddock, Md. $.25
Phrenology and the Scriptures (Showing their Harmony). By rev. John Pierpont. $.12 1/2
Philosophy of Electrical Psychology. By John Bovee Dods. $.50
In Dr. Sylvester Graham’s 650-page Lectures on the Science of Human Life (1865), with “a biographical sketch of the author,” many of the same works are advertised, this time grouped and placed under such headings as “Works on Phrenology,” “Hydropathy; or, Water Cure,” “Mesmerism-Psychology,” etc. in connection with the eight-page account of “The Life of Sylvester Graham” nearly a full page is devoted to “Phrenological Description.” Thus Ellen White was writing of matters which at that time were very much before the public.—Compilers.] he comes more directly to the people of this generation and works with that power which is to characterize his efforts near the close of probation. The minds of thousands have thus been poisoned and led into infidelity.
While it is believed that one human mind so wonderfully affects another, Satan, who is ready to press every advantage, insinuates himself and works on the right hand and on the left. And while those who are devoted to these sciences laud them to the heavens because of the great and good works which they affirm are wrought by them, they little know what a power for evil they are cherishing; but it is a power which will yet work with all signs and lying wonders—with all deceivableness of unrighteousness. Mark the influence of these sciences, dear reader, for the conflict between Christ and Satan is not yet ended.
Neglect of prayer leads men to rely on their own strength and opens the door to temptation. In many cases the imagination is captivated by scientific research, and men are flattered through the consciousness of their own powers. The sciences which treat of the human mind are very much exalted. They are good in their place, but they are seized upon by Satan as his powerful agents to deceive and destroy souls. His arts are accepted as from heaven, and he thus receives the worship which suits him well. The world, which is supposed to be benefited so much by phrenology and animal magnetism, never was so corrupt as now. Through these sciences, virtue is destroyed and the foundations of spiritualism are laid.—The Signs of the Times, November 6, 1884. (Selected Messages 2:351, 352.)
His Work to Divert the Mind of Man—Satan has come right in and placed himself between God and man. It is his work to divert the human mind, and he throws his darkened shadow right athwart our pathways so that we cannot discern between God and the moral darkness and corruption and the mass of iniquity that is in our world. Then what are we going to do about the matter? Shall we let that darkness remain? No.
There is a power here for us that will bring in the light of heaven to our dark world. Christ has been in heaven, and He will bring the light of heaven, drive back the darkness, and let the sunlight of His glory in. Then we shall see, amid the corruption and pollution and defilement, the light of heaven.
We must not give up at the defilement that is in the human race, and ever keep that before the mind’s eye. We must not look at that…. What then are we to do? What is our work? To “behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us” (1 John 3:1).—Manuscript 7, 1888.
https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/77.99#99
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that we can medtate upon the manner in which You have shown Your very personal love for us and fully depend on You for all things, especially the state of our mental health and that of those we hold dear to our hearts. Please bless us to discern and resist every temptation to sin against You. Please bless us to be strong and healthy mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and to allow ourselves to be cultivated almost to the excellence of angels. Because we ask all these in the Awesome name of Almighty Jesus the Christ we say Thank You. Amen.
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DID YOU KNOW THIS…? Luke 6:40 KJV — The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. [The WORD OF GOD—It’s the only flesh tthat is safe to eat (meditate on) to live forever!]
Are you a scion? Do you feel wild, without a place to feel at home or useful? I pray this might touch you in the way it did me. Watch…
https://www.youtube.com/live/2QB6fcwVuws?si=fsEvZU-rkI-BngfD
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FREE HEALTH TALK* open to the public Thursdays at 5pm at Country Life Natural Foods Store and Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant, 1217 Eberhart Avenue, Columbus, GA. The topic for Thursday, April 23, is “Herbs for Men and Women” with Christine Hollifield.
*Exception: $10 for cooking classes
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I coordinate wonderful health and worshipful events and conferences online and onsite as a gospel medical missionary at Uchee Pines, a total plant-based health retreat, where doctors and practitioners specialize in lifestyle medicine. For event details, visit https://www.ucheepines.org/events
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