and more obedient his Will will be.  However, this is simply true that to any self-suggestionist whatever who has had some little practice and attained to even a moderate command over his will, a very great degree of the power to relieve bodily suffering is easy to develop, and it may be increased by practice to an incredible extent.  Thus in case of suffering by pain of any kind in another, begin by calmly persuading him or her that relief has been obtained thousands of times by the process, and endeavor to awaken belief, or, at least, so much attention and interest that the fact will remain as forethought in the mind.  The next step should be to promise relief, and then induce sleep by the showing a coin, passes with the hands, etc., or allowing the subject to sink into a natural slumber.  If there be no success the first time, repeat the experiment.  Gout, headaches, all forms of positive pain, severe colds, anaemia, insomnia, melancholia, and dyspepsia appear to be among the ills which yield most readily to, or are alleviated (to the great assistance of a regular cure), by suggestion.

As regards curing disorders, producing insensibility to hunger and thirst, heat or cold, and the like, all are aware that to a man who is under the influence of some great and overpowering emotion, such as rage or surprise, or joy, no pain is perceptible.  In like manner, by means of persuasion, sleep, a temporary oblivion, and the skillfully awakened Will, the same insensibility or ignoring can be effected.  There is, however, this to be observed, that while in the vast library of books which teach mental medicine the stress is laid entirely on producing merely a temporary cure I insist that by great Forethought, by conducting the cure with a view to permanence, ever persuading the patient to think on the future, and finally by a very thorough continuation and after-treatment many diseases may be radically removed.

To recapitulate and make all clear we will suppose that the reader desires during the following day to be in a calm, self-possessed or peaceful state of mind.  Therefore at night, after retiring, let him first completely consider what he wants and means to acquire.  This is the Forethought, and it should be as thorough as possible.  Having done this, will or declare that what you want shall come to pass on awaking, and repeating this and thinking on it, fall asleep.  This is all.  Do not wish for two things at once, or not until your mind shall have become familiar with the process.  As you feel your power strengthen with success you may will yourself to do whatever you desire.

CHAPTER IV.

FORETHOUGHT.

    “Post fata resurgo.”

    “What is forethought may sleep—­’tis very plain,
    But rest assured that it will rise again.”

    “Forethought is plan inspired by an absolute Will to carry
    it out.”