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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
to God to keep the spirit pure and the body healthy, that we may be a
benefit to humanity, and render to God perfect service.
The apostle utters these words of warning: “Let not sin therefore
reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof”
(
Romans 6:12
). He urges us onward by telling us that “every man
that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things” (
1 Corinthians
9:25
). He exhorts all who call themselves Christians to presents their
bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (
Romans 12:1
).
He says, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest
that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should
be a castaway” (
1 Corinthians 9:27
).—
Testimonies for the Church
2:381
(1870).
Temporary Depression May Follow Success—A reaction such
as frequently follows high faith and glorious success was pressing
upon Elijah. He feared that the reformation begun on Carmel might
not be lasting, and depression seized him. He had been exalted to
Pisgah’s top; now he was in the valley. While under the inspiration of
the Almighty, he had stood the severest trial of faith; but in this time of
discouragement, with Jezebel’s threat sounding in his ears and Satan
still apparently prevailing through the plotting of this wicked woman,
he lost his hold on God. He had been exalted above measure, and the
reaction was tremendous.—
Prophets and Kings, 161, 162
(1917).
Controlling a Depressed Mind—The mother can and should do
much toward controlling her nerves and mind when depressed; even
when she is sick, she can, if she only schools herself, be pleasant and
cheerful and can bear more noise than she would once have thought
possible. She should not make the children feel her infirmities and
cloud their young sensitive minds by her depression of spirits, causing
[487]
them to feel that the house is a tomb and the mother’s room the most
dismal place in the world. The mind and nerves gain tone and strength
by the exercise of the will. The power of the will in many cases will
prove a potent soother of the nerves.—
Testimonies for the Church
1:387
(1863).
Two Extremes in Behavior—Those who do not feel that it is a
religious duty to discipline the mind to dwell upon cheerful subjects
will usually be found at one of two extremes: they will be elated by a
continual round of exciting amusements, indulging in frivolous con-
versation, laughing, and joking; or they will be depressed, having great