Spiritual Influences and the Mind
33
am a sinner, and for that reason I need a Saviour. I need forgiveness
and pardon, and Christ says that if I come to Him I shall not perish. In
His letter to me I read, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (
1
John 1:9
). I will believe the word He has left for me. I will obey His
commands. When Satan tells you that you are lost, answer, Yes, but
Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. The greater my
sin, the greater my need of a Saviour.—
Letter 98b, 1896
Attention Turned From Confusion to God’s Handiwork—God
calls upon His creatures to turn their attention from the confusion and
perplexity around them and admire His handiwork. The heavenly
bodies are worthy of contemplation. God has made them for the
benefit of man, and as we study His works, angels of God will be by our
side to enlighten our minds and guard them from satanic deception.—
Manuscript 96, 1899.
(
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1145
.)
[34]
What Religion Does—True religion ennobles the mind, refines
the taste, sanctifies the judgment, and makes its possessor a partaker
of the purity and the holiness of Heaven. It brings angels near and
separates us more and more from the spirit and influence of the world.
It enters into all the acts and relations of life and gives us the “spirit of
a sound mind,” and the result is happiness and peace.—
The Signs of
the Times, October 23, 1884
. (
Counsels on Health, 629, 630
.)
Increases Intellectual Capabilities—As in the case of Daniel, in
exact proportion as the spiritual character is developed, the intellectual
capabilities are increased.—
The Review and Herald, March 22, 1898
.
(
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1168
.)
It Improves the Physical Health—Let the mind become intelli-
gent and the will be placed on the Lord’s side, and there will be a
wonderful improvement in the physical health.—
The Medical Mis-
sionary, December 1, 1892
. (
Counsels on Health, 504
.)
Right Doing the Best Medicine—The consciousness of right do-
ing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. The special
blessing of God resting upon the receiver is health and strength. One
whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is on the highway to health.
To have the consciousness that the eye of the Lord is upon us and that
His ear is open to our prayers is a satisfaction indeed. To know that
we have a never-failing friend to whom we can confide all the secrets