Depression
93
trials and mental conflicts, which they think but few have ever experi-
enced or can understand. These persons may profess Christianity, but
they deceive their own souls.—
The Signs of the Times, October 23,
1884
. (
Counsels on Health, 628, 629
.)
The Cheering or Discouraging Power of the Printed Page—
My husband has labored untiringly to bring the publishing interest up
to its present state of prosperity. I saw that he had had more sympathy
and love from his brethren than he has thought he had. They eagerly
search the paper to find something from his pen. If there is a tone of
cheerfulness in his writings, if he speaks encouragingly, their hearts
are lightened, and some even weep with tender feelings of joy. But
if gloom and sadness are expressed, the countenances of his brethren
and sisters, as they read, grow sad, and the spirit which characterizes
his writings is reflected upon them.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:96,
97
(1872).
A Discouraged Man is a Burden to Himself (counsel to medi-
cal students)—I have had presented before me the fact that in your
class of medical missionary students are those whose first work should
be understand themselves, to count the cost, and know when they begin
to build whether they are able to finish. Let not God be dishonored
[488]
by breaking down the man in the process of educating him; for a
broken-down, discouraged man is a burden to himself.
To think that in any work that he may plan to do God will sustain
him, while he piles upon himself studies, and subjects himself to
exposures that imperil health and life and violate the laws of nature, is
contrary to the light that God has given. Nature will not be imposed
upon. She will not forgive the injuries done to the wonderful, delicate
machinery.—Lt 116, 1898. (.)
Hopelessness Concealed Under a Facade of Bravado—A child
frequently censured for some special fault, comes to regard that fault
as his peculiarity, something against which it is vain to strive. Thus
are created discouragement and hopelessness, often concealed under
an appearance of indifference or bravado.—
Education, 291
(1903).
Overcoming Costs Efforts (counsels to a family)—You can be
a happy family if you will do what God has given you to do and has
enjoined upon you as a duty. But the Lord will not do for you that
which He has left for you to do. Brother C deserves pity. He has so
long felt unhappy that life has become a burden to him. It need not be