Chapter 8—Religion and the Mind
[
See Chapter 43, “Mind and Spiritual Health.”
]
The Love of Christ Vitalizes the Whole Being—The love which
Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every
vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it touches with healing.
By it the highest energies of the being are aroused to activity. It frees
the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the
life-forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the
soul, joy that nothing earthly can destroy—joy in the Holy Spirit—
health-giving, life-giving joy.—
The Ministry of Healing, 115
(1905).
Christ’s Work Is to Heal the Brokenhearted—God’s healing
power runs all through nature. If a tree is cut, if a human being is
wounded or breaks a bone, nature begins at once to repair the injury.
Even before the need exists, the healing agencies are in readiness;
and as soon as a part is wounded, every energy is bent to the work of
restoration. So it is in the spiritual realm. Before sin created the need,
God had provided the remedy. Every soul that yields to temptation is
wounded, bruised, by the adversary; but wherever there is sin, there is
the Saviour. It is Christ’s work “to heal the brokenhearted, to preach
[66]
deliverance to the captives, ... to set at liberty them that are bruised”
(
Luke 4:18
).—
Education, 113
(1903).
The Saviour’s Prescription for Mental and Spiritual Ills—Our
Saviour’s words, “Come unto Me, ... and I will give you rest” (
Matthew
11:28
), are a prescription for the healing of physical, mental, and
spiritual ills. Though men have brought suffering upon themselves by
their own wrongdoing, He regards them with pity. In Him they may
find help. He will do great things for those who trust in Him.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 115
(1905).
Gospel Versus Science and Literature—Science and literature
cannot bring into the darkened mind of men the light which the glorious
gospel of the Son of God can bring. The Son of God alone can do
the great work of illuminating the soul. No wonder Paul exclaims,
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