52
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
correct habits of eating and drinking the blood is kept pure, the brain
will be properly nourished.—
Manuscript 24, 1900.
(MM 291.)
Far-reaching Influence of the Imagination—Disease is some-
times produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination.
Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so.
Many imagine that every slight exposure will cause illness, and the
evil effect is produced because it is expected. Many die from disease
the cause of which is wholly imaginary.—
The Ministry of Healing,
241
(1905).
Electric Power of Brain Vitalizes System—The influence of the
mind on the body, as well as of the body on the mind, should be
emphasized. The electric power of the brain, promoted by mental
activity, vitalizes the whole system, and is thus an invaluable aid
in resisting disease. This should be made plain. The power of the
will and the importance of self-control, both in the preservation and
in the recovery of health, the depressing and even ruinous effect of
anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and on the other hand the
[61]
marvelous life-giving power to be found in cheerfulness, unselfishness,
gratitude, should also be shown.—
Education, 197
(1903).
Some Sick Because They Lack Willpower—In journeying I
have met many who were really sufferers through their imaginations.
They lacked willpower to rise above and combat disease of body and
mind; and, therefore, they were held in suffering bondage....
I frequently turn from the bedside of these self-made invalids,
saying to myself, Dying by inches, dying of indolence, a disease which
no one but themselves can cure.—
The Health Reformer, January, 1871
.
(MM 106, 107.)
Importance of Sound Minds in Sound Bodies—Mental and
moral power is dependent upon the physical health. Children should
be taught that all pleasures and indulgences are to be sacrificed which
will interfere with health. If the children are taught self-denial and
self-control, they will be far happier than if allowed to indulge their
desires for pleasure and extravagance in dress....
Good health, sound minds, and pure hearts are not made of the first
importance in households. Many parents do not educate their children
for usefulness and duty. They are indulged and petted, until self-denial
to them becomes almost an impossibility. They are not taught that to
make a success of Christian life, the development of sound minds in