Chapter 42—Mind and Health
Mind Controls the Whole Man—The mind controls the whole
man. All our actions, good or bad, have their source in the mind. It
is the mind that worships God and allies us to heavenly beings.... All
the physical organs are the servants of the mind, and the nerves are the
messengers that transmit its orders to every part of the body, guiding
the motions of the living machinery....
The harmonious action of all the parts—brain, bone, and muscle—
is necessary to the full and healthful development of the entire human
organism.—
Special Testimonies On Education, 33
, c1897. (
Funda-
mentals of Christian Education, 426
.)
Electric Power Vitalizes Whole System—The electric power of
the brain, promoted by mental activity, vitalizes the whole system, and
is thus an invaluable aid in resisting disease.—
Education, 197
(1903).
Few Realize the Power of Mind Over Body—But few realize
the power that the mind has over the body. A great deal of the sickness
which afflicts humanity has its origin in the mind and can only be
cured by restoring the mind to health. There are very many more
than we imagine who are sick mentally. Heart sickness makes many
dyspeptics, for mental trouble has a paralyzing influence upon the
[397]
digestive organs.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:184
(1872).
Victims of Diseased Imagination—The mind needs to be con-
trolled, for it has a most powerful influence upon the health. The
imagination often misleads, and when indulged, brings severe forms
of disease upon the afflicted....
The season most to be dreaded by one going among these invalids
is winter. It is winter indeed, not only outdoors but in, to those who are
compelled to live in the same house and sleep in the same room. These
victims of a diseased imagination shut themselves indoors and close
the windows, for the air affects their lungs and their heads. Imagination
is active; they expect to take cold, and they will have it. No amount
of reasoning can make them believe that they do not understand the
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