Chapter 63—Imagination
Christ Employed the Imagination—Through the imagination
He [Christ] reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the
things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them
a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of
the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep—with these objects
Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers
chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ’s
illustrations constantly repeated His lessons.
Christ never flattered men. He never spoke that which would exalt
their fancies and imaginations, nor did He praise them for their clever
inventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching and
found that it tested their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth
expressed in the simplest language.—
The Desire of Ages, 254
(1898).
Duty to Control Imagination—Few realize that it is a duty to
exercise control over the thoughts and imaginations. It is difficult to
keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon profitable subjects. But if the
thoughts are not properly employed, religion cannot flourish in the
soul. The mind must be preoccupied with sacred and eternal things, or
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it will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both the intellectual
and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they will strengthen and
improve by exercise.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
544
(1913).
Disease Sometimes Produced by Imagination [
See chapter 75,
“Imagination and Illness.”
]—Disease is sometimes produced and is
often greatly aggravated by the imagination. Many are lifelong in-
valids 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).
Perverted Imagination—From what the Lord has shown me, the
women of this class [those with an exaggerated concept of their qual-
ities] have had their imaginations perverted by novel reading, day-
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