Mind Directed to Creator, Not Self-exaltation.—Were this principle [working for God’s
glory] given the attention which its importance demands, there would be a radical change in some of
the current methods of education. Instead of appealing to pride and selfish ambition, kindling a spirit
of emulation, teachers would endeavor to awaken the love for goodness and truth and beauty—to
arouse the desire for excellence.... Instead of being directed to mere earthly standards or being
actuated by the desire for self-exaltation, which in itself dwarfs and belittles, the mind would be
directed to the Creator, to know Him and to become like Him.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 595, 596
(1890).
Living Water Versus Broken Cisterns.—Jesus knew the wants of the soul. Pomp, riches, and
honor cannot satisfy the heart. “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me.” The rich, the poor,
the high, the low, are alike welcome. He promises to relieve the burdened mind, to comfort the
sorrowing, and to give hope to the despondent.
Many of those who heard Jesus were mourners over disappointed hopes, many were nourishing
a secret grief, many were seeking to satisfy their restless longing with the things of the world and
the praise of men; but when all was gained, they found that they had toiled only to reach a broken
cistern, from which they could not quench their thirst. Amid the glitter of the joyous scene they
stood, dissatisfied and sad.
That sudden cry, “If any man thirst,” startled them from their sorrowful meditation, and as they
listened to the words that followed, their minds kindled with a new hope. The Holy Spirit presented
the symbol before them until they saw in it the offer of the priceless gift of salvation.—The Desire
of Ages, 454 (1898).
Union of Divine and Human Endeavor Necessary.—The Spirit furnishes the strength that
sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency—amid the unfriendliness of relatives, the
hatred of the world, and the
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realization of their own imperfections and mistakes. A union of divine and human endeavor,
a close connection first, last, and ever, with God, the source of all strength—this is absolutely
necessary.—The Review and Herald, May 19, 1904. (HC 151.)
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Chap. 9 - Mind, the Citadel
The Capital of the Body.—Every organ of the body was made to be servant to the mind. The
mind is the capital of the body.—Testimonies for the Church 3:136 (1872).
The mind controls the whole man. All our actions, good or bad, have their source in the mind.
It is the mind that worships God and allies us to heavenly beings. Yet many spend all their lives
without becoming intelligent in regard to the casket [jewel case] that contains this treasure.—SpTED
33, May 11, 1896. (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 426.)
Brain Controls the Body.—There are many invalids today who will ever remain so because
they cannot be convinced that their experience is not reliable. The brain is the capital of the body,
the seat of all the nervous forces and of mental action. The nerves proceeding from the brain
control the body. By the brain nerves, mental impressions are conveyed to all the nerves of the body
as by telegraph wires, and they control the vital action of every part of the system. All the organs
of motion are governed by the communications they receive from the brain.—Testimonies for the
Church 3:69 (1872).
