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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
nect with the whole system are the medium through which heaven
communicates with man and affects the inmost life. Whatever hinders
the circulation of the electric current in the nervous system, thus weak-
ening the vital powers and lessening mental susceptibility, makes it
more difficult to arouse the moral nature.—
Education, 209
(1903).
Independent Thought and Moral Discrimination—The educa-
tion that consists in the training of the memory, tending to discourage
independent thought, has a moral bearing which is too little appre-
ciated. As the student sacrifices the power to reason and judge for
himself, he becomes incapable of discriminating between truth and
error and falls an easy prey to deception. He is easily led to follow
tradition and custom.—
Education, 230
(1903).
Trained to Reach Highest Efficiency—Both the physical and the
mental powers, with the affections, are to be so trained that they can
reach the highest efficiency.—Pamphlet,
The Circulation of Our Health
Journals, 1, 1901
. (
Counsels on Health, 445
.)
Study of Nature Strengthens Powers—In these lessons direct
from nature there is a simplicity and purity that makes them of the
highest value. All need the teaching to be derived from this source. In
itself the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly
attractions and toward purity, peace, and God. Too often the minds
of students are occupied with men’s theories and speculations, falsely
called science and philosophy. They need to be brought into close
contact with nature. Let them learn that creation and Christianity have
one God. Let them be taught to see the harmony of the natural with
[447]
the spiritual. Let everything which their eyes see or their hands handle
be made a lesson in character-building. Thus the mental powers will
be strengthened, the character developed, the whole life ennobled.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 24, 25
(1900).
Bible Study Gives Power to the Mind [
See chapter 11, “Bible
Study and the Mind.”
]—Those who hunger for knowledge that they
may bless their fellowmen will themselves receive blessing from God.
Through the study of His Word their mental powers will be aroused to
earnest activity. There will be an expansion and development of the
faculties, and the mind will acquire power and efficiency.—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 334
(1900).
Conversion Removes Darkness of Ignorance From the Mind—
In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of