The relation that exists between the mind and the body is
very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes.
The condition of the mind affects the health to a far
greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from
which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief,
anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break
down the life forces and to invite decay and death.
Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly
aggravated, by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who
might be well if they only thought so. Many imagine that
every slight exposure will cause illness, and the evil effect is
produced because it is expected. Many die from disease the
cause of which is wholly imaginary.
Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and
prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to
the body and strength to the soul. "A merry [rejoicing]
heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22.
In the treatment of the sick the effect of mental influence
should not be overlooked. Rightly used, this influence affords
one of the most effective agencies for combating disease.
Control of Mind Over Mind
There is, however, a form of mind cure that is one of the
most effective agencies for evil. Through this so-called science,
one mind is brought under the control of another so
that the individuality of the weaker is merged in that of the
stronger mind. One person acts out the will of another. Thus
it is claimed that the tenor of the thoughts may be changed,
that health-giving impulses may be imparted, and patients
may be enabled to resist and overcome disease.
This method of cure has been employed by persons who
were ignorant of its real nature and tendency, and who
believed it to be a means of benefit to the sick. But the so-called
science is based upon false principles. It is foreign to the
nature and spirit of Christ. It does not lead to Him who is life
and salvation. The one who attracts minds to Himself leads
them to separate from the true Source of their strength.
It is not God's purpose that any human being should yield
his mind and will to the control of another, becoming a passive
instrument in his hands. No one is to merge his individuality
in that of another. He is not to look to any human being
as the source of healing. His dependence must be in God. In
the dignity of his God-given manhood he is to be controlled
by God Himself, not by any human intelligence.
God desires to bring men into direct relation with
Himself. In all His dealings with human beings He recognizes
the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage
a sense of personal dependence and to impress the need
of personal guidance. He desires to bring the human into
association with the divine, that men may be transformed into
the divine likeness. Satan works to thwart this purpose. He
seeks to encourage dependence upon men. When minds are
turned away from God, the tempter can bring them under
his rule. He can control humanity.
The theory of mind controlling mind was originated by
Satan, to introduce himself as the chief worker, to put human
philosophy where divine philosophy should be. Of all the
errors that are finding acceptance among professedly Christian
people, none is a more dangerous deception, none more
certain to separate man from God, than is this. Innocent
though it may appear, if exercised upon patients it will tend
to their destruction, not to their restoration. It opens a door
through which Satan will enter to take possession both of the
mind that is given up to be controlled by another, and of the
mind that controls.
Fearful is the power thus given to evil-minded men and
women. What opportunities it affords to those who live by
taking advantage of other's weaknesses or follies! How many,
through control of minds feeble or diseased, will find a means
of gratifying lustful passion or greed of gain!
There is something better for us to engage in than the
control of humanity by humanity. The physician should educate
the people to look from the human to the divine. Instead of
teaching the sick to depend upon human beings for the cure
of soul and body, he should direct them to the One who can
save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. He who made
man's mind knows what the mind needs. God alone is the
One who can heal. Those whose minds and bodies are
diseased are to behold in Christ the restorer. "Because I live,
He says, "ye shall live also." John 14:19. This is the life we
are to present to the sick, telling them that if they have faith in
Christ as the restorer, if they co-operate with Him, obeying
the laws of health, and striving to perfect holiness in His fear,
He will impart to them His life. When we present Christ to
them in this way, we are imparting a power, a strength, that
is of value; for it comes from above. This is the true science
of healing for body and soul.
Sympathy
Great wisdom is needed in dealing with diseases caused
through the mind. A sore, sick heart, a discouraged mind,
needs mild treatment. Many times some living home trouble
is, like a canker, eating to the very soul and weakening the
life force. And sometimes it is the case that remorse for sin
undermines the constitution and unbalances the mind. It
is through tender sympathy that this class of invalids can be
benefited. The physician should first gain their confidence
and then point them to the Great Healer. If their faith can
be directed to the True Physician, and they can have confidence
that He has undertaken their case, this will bring relief
to the mind and often give health to the body.
Sympathy and tact will often prove a greater benefit to the
sick than will the most skillful treatment given in a cold,
indifferent way. When a physician comes to the sickbed with
a listless, careless manner, looks at the afflicted one with little
concern, by word or action giving the impression that the
case is not one requiring much attention, and then leaves the
patient to his own reflections, he has done that patient positive
harm. The doubt and discouragement produced by his indifference
will often counteract the good effect of the remedies
he may prescribe.
If physicians could put themselves in the place of the one
whose spirit is humbled and whose will is weakened by
suffering, and who longs for words of sympathy and assurance,
they would be better prepared to appreciate his feelings.
When the love and sympathy that Christ manifested for the
sick is combined with the physician's knowledge, his very
presence will be a blessing.
Frankness in dealing with a patient inspires him with
confidence, and thus proves an important aid to recovery.
There are physicians who consider it wise policy to conceal
from the patient the nature and cause of the disease from
which he is suffering. Many, fearing to excite or discourage
a patient by stating the truth, will hold out false hopes of
recovery, and even allow a patient to go down to the grave
without warning him of his danger. All this is unwise. It
may not always be safe or best to explain to the patient the
full extent of his danger. This might alarm him and retard
or even prevent recovery. Nor can the whole truth always
be told to those whose ailments are largely imaginary. Many
of these persons are unreasonable, and have not accustomed
themselves to exercise self-control. They have peculiar fancies,
and imagine many things that are false in regard to themselves
and to others. To them these things are real, and those
who care for them need to manifest constant kindness and
unwearied patience and tact. If these patients were told the
truth in regard to themselves, some would be offended, others
discouraged. Christ said to His disciples, "I have yet many
things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." John
16:12. But though the truth may not all be spoken on all
occasions, it is never necessary or justifiable to deceive. Never
should the physician or the nurse stoop to prevarication. He
who does this places himself where God cannot co-operate
with him, and in forfeiting the confidence of his patients he
is casting away one of the most effective human aids to their
restoration.
The power of the will is not valued as it should be. Let the
will be kept awake and rightly directed, and it will impart
energy to the whole being and will be a wonderful aid in the
maintenance of health. It is a power also in dealing with
disease. Exercised in the right direction, it would control the
imagination and be a potent means of resisting and overcoming
disease of both mind and body. By the exercise of the
will power in placing themselves in right relation to life,
patients can do much to co-operate with the physician's efforts
for their recovery. There are thousands who can recover
health if they will. The Lord does not want them to be sick.
He desires them to be well and happy, and they should make
up their minds to be well. Often invalids can resist disease
simply by refusing to yield to ailments and settle down in a
state of inactivity. Rising above their aches and pains, let
them engage in useful employment suited to their strength.
By such employment and the free use of air and sunlight,
many an emaciated invalid might recover health and strength.
Bible Principles of Cure
For those who would regain or preserve health there is a
lesson in the words of Scripture, "Be not drunk with wine,
wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians
5:18. Not through the excitement or oblivion produced by
unnatural or unhealthful stimulants; not through indulgence of
the lower appetites or passions, is to be found true healing or
refreshment for the body or the soul. Among the sick are many
who are without God and without hope. They suffer from
ungratified desires, disordered passions, and the condemnation
of their own consciences; they are losing their hold upon
this life, and they have no prospect for the life to come. Let
not the attendants upon the sick hope to benefit these patients
by granting them frivolous, exciting indulgences. These have
been the curse of their lives. The hungry, thirsting soul will
continue to hunger and thirst so long as it seeks to find
satisfaction here. Those who drink at the fountain of selfish
pleasure are deceived. They mistake hilarity for strength, and
when the excitement ceases, their inspiration ends, and they
are left to discontent and despondency.
Abiding peace, true rest of spirit, has but one Source. It
was of this that Christ spoke when He said, "Come unto Me,
all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John
14:27. This peace is not something that He gives apart from
Himself. It is in Christ, and we can receive it only by receiving
Him.
Christ is the wellspring of life. That which many need
is to have a clearer knowledge of Him; they need to be
patiently and kindly, yet earnestly, taught how the whole being
may be thrown open to the healing agencies of heaven. When
the sunlight of God's love illuminates the darkened chambers
of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease,
and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind and health and
energy to the body.
We are in a world of suffering. Difficulty, trial, and sorrow
await us all along the way to the heavenly home. But there
are many who make life's burdens doubly heavy by continually
anticipating trouble. If they meet with adversity or
disappointment they think that everything is going to ruin, that
theirs is the hardest lot of all, that they are surely coming to
want. Thus they bring wretchedness upon themselves and
cast a shadow upon all around them. Life itself becomes a
burden to them. But it need not be thus. It will cost a determined
effort to change the current of their thought. But the
change can be made. Their happiness, both for this life and
for the life to come, depends upon their fixing their minds
upon cheerful things. Let them look away from the dark
picture, which is imaginary, to the benefits which God has strewn
in their pathway, and beyond these to the unseen and eternal.
For every trial, God has provided help. When Israel in the
desert came to the bitter waters of Marah, Moses cried unto
the Lord. The Lord did not provide some new remedy; He
called attention to that which was at hand. A shrub which He
had created was to be cast into the fountain to make the water
pure and sweet. When this was done, the people drank of
the water and were refreshed. In every trial, if we seek Him,
Christ will give us help. Our eyes will be opened to discern
the healing promises recorded in His word. The Holy Spirit
will teach us how to appropriate every blessing that will be an
antidote to grief. For every bitter draft that is placed to our
lips, we shall find a branch of healing.
We are not to let the future, with its hard problems, its
unsatisfying prospects, make our hearts faint, our knees tremble,
our hands hang down. "Let him take hold of My
strength," says the Mighty One, "that he may make peace
with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5.
Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His
service will never be placed in a position for which He has not
made provision. Whatever our situation, if we are doers of
His word, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our
perplexity, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow,
bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend.
If in our ignorance we make missteps, the Saviour does not
forsake us. We need never feel that we are alone. Angels are
our companions. The Comforter that Christ promised to send
in His name abides with us. In the way that leads to the City
of God there are no difficulties which those who trust in Him
may not overcome. There are no dangers which they may not
escape. There is not a sorrow, not a grievance, not a human
weakness, for which He has not provided a remedy.
None need abandon themselves to discouragement and
despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion,
"Yours is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable." But there
is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in
our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever
difficulties we labor under, which weigh down soul and
body, He waits to make us free.
He who took humanity upon Himself knows how to
sympathize with the sufferings of humanity. Not only does
Christ know every soul, and the peculiar needs and trials of
that soul, but He knows all the circumstances that chafe and
perplex the spirit. His hand is outstretched in pitying tenderness
to every suffering child. Those who suffer most have
most of His sympathy and pity. He is touched with the
feeling of our infirmities, and He desires us to lay our perplexities
and troubles at His feet and leave them there.
It is not wise to look to ourselves and study our emotions.
If we do this, the enemy will present difficulties and temptations
that weaken faith and destroy courage. Closely to study
our emotions and give way to our feelings is to entertain
doubt and entangle ourselves in perplexity. We are to look
away from self to Jesus.
When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and
darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where
you last saw the light. Rest in Christ's love and under His
protecting care. When sin struggles for the mastery in the
heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the
conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that
Christ's grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness.
Entering into communion with the Saviour, we enter
the region of peace.
The Healing Promises
"The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants:
And none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate."
Psalm 34:22.
"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence:
And His children shall have a place of refuge."
Proverbs 14:26.
"Zion said, Jehovah hath forsaken me, and
The Lord hath forgotten me.
Can a woman forget her sucking child,
That she should not have compassion on the son of her
womb?
Yea, these may forget, yet will not I forget thee.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands."
Isaiah 49:14-16, A.R.V.
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
Be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My
righteousness." Isaiah 41:10.
"Ye that have been borne by Me from your birth,
That have been carried by Me from your earliest breath,
Even to your old age I am the same;
Even to hoar hairs I will carry you;
I have done it, and I will still bear you;
I will carry, and I will deliver you."
Isaiah 46:3, 4, Noyes.
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul
than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty
to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings--as
much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how
can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining
all along the way to our Father's house?
Those professed Christians who are constantly complaining,
and who seem to think cheerfulness and happiness a sin,
have not genuine religion. Those who take a mournful pleasure
in all that is melancholy in the natural world, who choose
to look upon dead leaves rather than to gather the beautiful
living flowers, who see no beauty in grand mountain heights
and in valleys clothed with living green, who close their senses
to the joyful voice which speaks to them in nature, and which
is sweet and musical to the listening ear--these are not in
Christ. They are gathering to themselves gloom and darkness,
when they might have brightness, even the Sun of Righteousness
arising in their hearts with healing in His beams.
Often your mind may be clouded because of pain. Then do
not try to think. You know that Jesus loves you. He understands
your weakness. You may do His will by simply resting
in His arms.
It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are
encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance.
While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts
follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith,
rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,--the
great mercy and love of God,--we should have more faith
and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can
conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness
and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a
wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow
from the throne of God.
Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise
of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be
hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of
Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the
heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is
our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God.
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; . . . and be ye
thankful." Colossians 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties
and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for
the glory of His name. Let the fresh blessings of each new
day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving
care. When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God
that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His
peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude
as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven.
When someone asks how you are feeling, do not try to
think of something mournful to tell in order to gain sympathy.
Do not talk of your lack of faith and your sorrows and
sufferings. The tempter delights to hear such words. When
talking on gloomy subjects, you are glorifying him. We are
not to dwell on the great power of Satan to overcome us.
Often we give ourselves into his hands by talking of his
power. Let us talk instead of the great power of God to bind
up all our interests with His own. Tell of the matchless
power of Christ, and speak of His glory. All heaven is interested
in our salvation. The angels of God, thousands upon
thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, are
commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation.
They guard us against evil and press back the powers of
darkness that are seeking our destruction. Have we not
reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there
are apparent difficulties in our pathway?
Sing Praises
Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. When
tempted, instead of giving utterance to our feelings, let us by
faith lift up a song of thanksgiving to God.
We praise Thee, O God, for the Son of Thy love,--
For Jesus who died and is now gone above.
We praise Thee, O God, for Thy Spirit of light,
Who has shown us our Saviour, and scattered our night.
All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain,
Who has borne all our sins, and has cleansed every stain.
All glory and praise to the God of all grace,
Who has bought us, and sought us, and guided our ways.
Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.
Chorus:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! amen;
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Revive us again.
Song is a weapon that we can always use against
discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the
Saviour's presence, we shall have health and His blessing.
"Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good:
For His mercy endureth forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy."
"Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him:
Talk ye of all His wondrous works.
Glory ye in His holy name:
Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord."
"For He satisfieth the longing soul,
And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Being bound in affliction and iron; . . .
They cried unto the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And brake their bands in sunder.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!"
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
And why art thou disquieted within me?
Hope thou in God:
For I shall yet praise Him,
Who is the health of my countenance,
And my God."
Psalms 107:1,2; 105:2,3; 107:9-15; 42:11.
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This
command is an assurance that even the things which appear
to be against us will work for our good. God would not bid
us be thankful for that which would do us harm.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?"
"In the day of trouble He shall keep me secretly in His pavilion:
In the covert of His tabernacle shall He hide me; . . .
And I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord."
"I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the
miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise
unto our God."
"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped:
Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
And with my song will I praise Him."
Psalms 27:1; 27:5,6,R.V.; 40:1-3; 28:7.
One of the surest hindrances to the recovery of the sick is
the centering of attention upon themselves. Many invalids
feel that everyone should give them sympathy and help, when
what they need is to have their attention turned away from
themselves, to think of and care for others.
Often prayer is solicited for the afflicted, the sorrowful, the
discouraged; and this is right. We should pray that God
will shed light into the darkened mind and comfort the
sorrowful heart. But God answers prayer for those who place
themselves in the channel of His blessings. While we offer
prayer for these sorrowful ones, we should encourage them to
try to help those more needy than themselves. The darkness
will be dispelled from their own hearts as they try to help
others. As we seek to comfort others with the comfort
wherewith we are comforted, the blessing comes back to us.
The fifty-eight chapter of Isaiah is a prescription for
maladies of the body and of the soul. If we desire health and
the true joy of life we must put into practice the rules given in
this scripture. Of the service acceptable to Him, and its
blessings, the Lord says:
"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry,
And that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?
When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him;
And that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,
And thine health shall spring forth speedily:
And thy righteousness shall go before thee;
The glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.
Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer;
Thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am.
If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke,
The putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry,
And satisfy the afflicted soul;
Then shall thy light rise in obscurity,
And thy darkness be as the noonday:
And the Lord shall guide thee continually,
And satisfy thy soul in drought,
And make fat thy bones:
And thou shalt be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water,
Whose waters fail not."
Isaiah 58:7-11.
Good deeds are twice a blessing, benefiting both the giver
and the receiver of the kindness. The consciousness of
right-doing is one of the best medicines for diseased bodies and
minds. When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty
well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others,
the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole
being.
Let the invalid, instead of constantly requiring sympathy,
seek to impart it. Let the burden of your own weakness and
sorrow and pain be cast upon the compassionate Saviour.
Open your heart to His love, and let it flow out to others.
Remember that all have trials hard to bear, temptations hard
to resist, and you may do something to lighten these burdens.
Express gratitude for the blessings you have; show appreciation
of the attentions you receive. Keep the heart full of the
precious promises of God, that you may bring forth from this
treasure, words that will be a comfort and strength to others.
This will surround you with an atmosphere that will be helpful
and uplifting. Let it be your aim to bless those around
you, and you will find ways of being helpful, both to the
members of your own family and to others.
If those who are suffering from ill-health would forget self
in their interest for others; if they would fulfill the Lord's
command to minister to those more needy than themselves,
they would realize the truthfulness of the prophetic promise,
"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine
health shall spring forth speedily."
Marah and Elim
Today 'tis Elim with its palms and wells,
And happy shade for desert weariness;
'Twas Marah yesterday, all rock and sand,
Unshaded solitude and dreariness.
Yet the same desert holds them both, the same
Hot breezes wander o'er the lonely ground;
The same low stretch of valley shelters both,
And the same mountains compass them around.
So it is here with us on earth, and so
I do remember it has ever been;
The bitter and the sweet, the grief and joy,
Lie near together, but a day between.
Sometimes God turns our bitter into sweet,
Sometimes He gives us pleasant watersprings;
Sometimes He shades us with His pillar cloud,
And sometimes to a blessed palm shade brings.
What matters it? The time will not be long;
Marah and Elim will alike be passed;
Our desert wells and palms will soon be done,
We reach the "City of our God" at last.
O happy land! beyond these lonely hills,
Where gush in joy the everlasting springs;
O holy Paradise! above these heavens,
Where we shall end our desert wanderings.
--Horatius Bonar.
Blessed Assurance
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight.
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Saviour am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
--Fanny J. Crosby.