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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
the Institute, he would not in so doing remove or overcome the defects
in his character. He has a work before him to overcome these defects
if he would be among the number who are to stand without fault
before the throne of God, having come up through great tribulation,
and having washed their robes of character and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb. The provision has been made for us to wash.
The fountain has been prepared at infinite expense, and the burden of
washing rests upon us, who are imperfect before God. The Lord does
not propose to remove these spots of defilement without our doing
anything on our part. We must wash our robes in the blood of the
Lamb. We may lay hold of the merits of the blood of Christ by faith,
and through His grace and power we may have strength to overcome
our errors, our sins, our imperfections of character, and come off
victorious, having washed our robes in the blood of the Lamb.
Dr. B should seek to add daily to his stock of knowledge and to
cultivate courteousness and refinement of manners. In his parlor talks
he is too apt to come down to a low level; they do not have an influence
to elevate. He should bear in mind that he is associated with all classes
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of minds and that the impressions he gives will be extended to other
states and will be reflected upon the Institute. To deal with men and
women whose minds as well as bodies are diseased is a nice work.
Great wisdom is needed by the physicians at the Institute in order to
cure the body through the mind. 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 digestive organs.
In order to reach this class of patients, the physician must have
discernment, patience, kindness, and love. A sore, sick heart, a discour-
aged mind, needs mild treatment, and it is through tender sympathy
that this class of minds can be healed. The physicians should first gain
their confidence, and then point them to the all-healing Physician. If
their minds can be directed to the Burden Bearer, and they can have
faith that He will have an interest in them, the cure of their diseased
bodies and minds will be sure.
Other health institutions are looking with a jealous eye upon the
Health Institute at Battle Creek. They work from the world’s stand-