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Counsels for the Church
medicine for disease. Heaven is all health; and the more deeply heav-
enly influences are realized, the more sure will be the recovery of
the believing invalid. The true principles of Christianity open before
all a source of inestimable happiness. Religion is a continual well-
spring, from which the Christian can drink at will and never exhaust
the fountain.
The condition of the mind affects the health of the physical system.
If the mind is free and happy, from a consciousness of rightdoing
and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it creates
a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer
circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing
of God is a healing power, and those who are abundant in benefiting
others will realize that wondrous blessing in both heart and life.
When men who have indulged in wrong habits and sinful practices
yield to the power of divine truth, the application of that truth to the
heart revives the moral powers, which had seemed to be paralyzed.
The receiver possesses stronger, clearer understanding than before he
riveted his soul to the eternal Rock. Even his physical health improves
by the realization of his security in Christ
Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness,
can be theirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace
that gives man power to obey the laws of God. It is this that enables
him to break the bondage of evil habit. This is the only power that can
make him and keep him steadfast in the right path.
When the gospel is received in its purity and power, it is a cure for
the maladies that originated in sin. The Sun of Righteousness arises,
“with healing in His wings.”
Malachi 4:2
. Not all this world bestows
can heal a broken heart, or impart peace of mind, or remove care, or
banish disease. Fame, genius, talent—all are powerless to gladden the
sorrowful heart or to restore the wasted life. The life of God in the
soul is man’s only hope.
The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vi-
talizing power. Every vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it
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touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused
to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and
care, that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure.
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Counsels on Health, 28