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Section 6—True and False Systems of Mind Cure
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bear their burdens, but are at the same time contributing largely to
their own health of soul and body. Doing good is a work that benefits
both giver and receiver. If you forget self in your interest for others,
you gain a victory over your infirmities. The satisfaction you will
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realize in doing good will aid you greatly in the recovery of the
healthy tone of the imagination.
The pleasure of doing good animates the mind and vibrates
through the whole body. While the faces of benevolent men are
lighted up with cheerfulness, and their countenances express the
moral elevation of the mind, those of selfish, stingy men are de-
jected, cast down, and gloomy. Their moral defects are seen in their
countenances....
Invalids, I advise you to venture something. Arouse your
willpower, and at least make a trial of this matter. Withdraw your
thoughts and affections from yourselves. Walk out by faith. Are you
inclined to center your thoughts upon yourselves, fearing to exercise,
and fearing that if you expose yourself to the air you will lose your
life; resist these thoughts and feelings. Do not yield to your diseased
imagination.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:534
.
Drudgery Versus Healthful Activity
Manual labor quickens the circulation of the blood. The more ac-
tive the circulation the more free will be the blood from obstructions
and impurities. The blood nourishes the body. The health of the
body depends upon the healthful circulation of the blood. If work is
performed without the heart being in it, it is simply drudgery, and
the benefit which should result from the exercise is not gained.—
The
Health Reformer, May, 1873
.
Contentment and Cheerfulness
A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and
strength to the soul. Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as
depression, gloominess, and sadness. Mental depression is terrible.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:702
.