Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]

Relationship Between Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

Occupy the Mind With Studies of the Most Use—God would have the mental faculties kept pure and clean. But often too great a variety of food is given to the mind. It is impossible for this to be properly taken care of and used. The brain should be relieved of all unnecessary burden. Only the studies which will be of the most use, not only here but in the future life, which will provide the best instruction for body and soul, will be carried over into eternity.... 5MR 359.1

The study of books written by infidels does great harm. Thus tares are sown in the minds and hearts of students. Yet this is the food often given to the brain, while many have little knowledge of subjects which pertain to eternal interests, which they ought to understand.... 5MR 359.2

Jesus Christ is our spiritual touchstone. He reveals the Father. Nothing should be given as food to the brain that will bring before the mind any mist or cloud in regard to the Word of God.... 5MR 359.3

Man was formed in the image of God. But Satan worked constantly to destroy the divine similitude. Man yielded to temptation, and God's image was obliterated. Christ put His hand a second time to the work. He would recreate man. When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son.... 5MR 359.4

The eternal Word appeared in human form, bringing with Him all grace, all healing, all efficiency.... 5MR 359.5

Read Christ's prayer to His Father, intended not merely as an important lesson in education for the disciples, but to come down through all time for the benefit of those who would read the inspired writings.... 5MR 360.1

What can the most learned in book lore know aright without a knowledge of the Word of God? Without the education found in the Bible, how shall we reach the next world, where we shall enter the presence of God and see His face? Nothing of this world's wisdom, the knowledge gained from books, presents a true and sure foundation upon which we can build for eternity.—Manuscript 15, 1898, pp. 1-5. (“The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom,” undated.) 5MR 360.2

God would be recognized as the author of our being. That life He has given us is not to be trifled with. Recklessness in the bodily habits reveals a recklessness of moral character. 5MR 360.3

The health of the body is to be regarded as essential for the advancement of growth in grace, an even temper. If food is given to the stomach which will prove a tax to it, it will surely result in perverting the finer feelings of the heart. The stomach has a controlling influence upon the whole being, and has everything to do with the health of the whole body. If the stomach is not properly cared for, the formation of a moral character will be hindered.... Erroneous eating and drinking will result in erroneous thinking and acting.... Those who choose to be presumptuous, saying, “The Lord has healed me, and I need not restrict my diet, I can eat and drink as I please,” will ere long need, in body and soul, the restoring power of God.—Manuscript 113, 1898, pp. 3, 4. (“Present Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice,” September 8, 1898.) 5MR 360.4

The Entire Being—Real religion has its seat in the heart; and as it is an abiding principle there, it works outwardly, molding the external conduct, until the entire being is conformed to the image of Christ; even the thoughts are brought into subjection to the mind of Christ. If the abiding principle is not in the heart, the mind will be molded after the deceiving similitude of Satan's mind, working his will, to the ruin of the soul. The atmosphere which surrounds such souls is deleterious to all around them, whether believers or unbelievers. 5MR 361.1

When the mind is not under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Satan can mold it as he chooses. All the rational powers which he controls he will carnalize.—Letter 8, 1891, pp. 2, 5. (To Brother Craig, February 4, 1891.) 5MR 361.2