Overstudy
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whole living machinery by confinement. The brain is wearied, and
Satan brings in a whole list of temptations, enticing them to engage in
forbidden indulgences, to have a change, to let off steam. Yielding to
these temptations, they do wrong things which injure themselves and
do mischief to others. This may be done only in sport [frolic]. The
brain is active and they desire to play some pranks. But someone must
undertake to undo the mischief they did under temptation.—Lt 103,
1897.
Overworking the Mind Causes Diseased Imagination—The
proper methods have been presented to me. Let students with their
mental studies call into exercise the physical and moral powers. Let
them work the living machinery proportionately. The constant working
of the brain is a mistake. I wish I could express in words just that
which would express the matter. The constant working of the brain
causes a diseased imagination. It leads to dissipation. The education
of five years in this one line is not of as much value as an all-round
education of one year.—Lt 76, 1897.
[508]
Too Much Study Leads to Depravity—Avoid exciting the brain.
Too much study stimulates the brain and increases the flow of blood
to it. The sure result of this is depravity. The brain cannot be unduly
excited without producing impure thoughts and actions. The whole
nervous system is affected, and this leads to impurity. The physical
and mental powers are depraved, and the temple of the Holy Spirit is
defiled. The evil practices are communicated, and the consequences
cannot be estimated. I am compelled to speak plainly on this subject.—
Lt 145, 1897.
Heart and Head Must Have Rest (counsel to an overburdened
minister)—Keep the channel free and unobstructed, for the inflowing
of the Holy Spirit. Whatever may take place, keep your mind stayed
on God, and do not become in any way confused.
As I talked with you in the night season, I saw that you were brain-
weary, and I said to you, Cast all your care upon the Lord; for He careth
for you. Lay your burdens and perplexities upon the Burden-bearer.
The peace of Christ in the heart is worth more to us than anything
else....
I warn you to be careful. I ask you to unload; to rid yourself of the
many burdens and perplexities that prevent you from giving your heart