The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-02-19
Dr.. Marden's Upift Talks.
By ORISON SWEET MARDEN,
Author of Pushing to the Front" etc
THE MIRACLE WORKER.
(CopTight, lal5.)

Two years ago. when seeking release
from pain for which she had been told
there was no cure, a woman sent out an
appeal for scientific kindness" which
would put to death those in agony from
incurable disease. Her appeal attracted
the attention of famous surgeon. and
through his scientific treatment and hope
full encouragement her health was re-
stored. In writing recently to friend.
she said:
Two years ago. expecting death and
welcoming peace: today ready and fit for
my little shafe of the worlds work.
The very first condition necessary to
make life yield all its possibilities is
health-that Astounding vitality and vigor
of mind and body which make living joy
ous-and health is dependent upon cor
rect thought. Every function. every
nerve cell. every organ in the body is
powerfully influenced by the nature Of
our thought. There is no more firmly es-
tablished scientific principle than that We
experience the reaction of our thought.
either in increased strength and vitality
or the opposite.
THE greatest barrier in the way of the
healing process, especially il the malady
be one that is accompanied by severe
PAIN" says a great physician. is the
mental depression that is associated with
it and often becomes a factor of the dis
case. 1t stands in the way of recovery
sometimes more than do the physical
causes, and oblterates from the con-
seriousness of the individual the wonder
full healing power of nature, so essential
to recovery.
There is a great restorative force in
cheerfulnesS. II is a sovereign remedy.
The physician who can inspire expect
ancy of something better to come. who
can give you confidence in your power to
overcome disease. and can make you feel
that it is a shame for man made to do
a great work in the world to be ailing,
can perform marvellous cures.
Sick people do not realize how much
their faith and confidence in the physi-
clan have to do with their cure. If he
is cheerful. happy. hopeful they feel
buoycd up. sustained by his very pres
ence. They feel the thrill of his splendid
vitality. and gather strength from his
courage They catch the contagion of
his cheerfulness and reflect his moods and
condition.
a friend says that he remembers how,
as hoy. when the old family physician
used to come to the home SO full Of life
and joy and gladness. with beamng from
every pore. members of the family would
feel absolutely ashamed to be sick.
ashamed to think that Gods work, which
was made perfect, should need patching
up.
The whole atmosphere of the house"
he said. seemed to change the minute
the doctor entered. His hearty laugh.
ringing through the rooms. as he rubbed
his hands before the fire on cold winter
day. and his mere presence did US more
good than pills or potions. Somehow. the
very thought of his coming after We had
sent for him seemed to drive away our
troubles"
A patient about to undergo a serious
operation stands a better chance of re-
gaining his lost health il he Is cheerful
and optimistic than one who dwells on
the pain he is about to endure and who
figures out what it feels like to die in
agony.
Cheerfulness is one Of the great miracle
workers of the world. 1t reinforces the
whole man. doubles and trebles his pow
er. and gives new meaning to his life.
Invalids who have dragged along in
misery for years have been suddenly. as
If by magic. lifted out Of their bondage
by the cheer and encouragement which
have come from some unexpected good
fortune. This shows US how dependent
the body il upon the mind. how 1t SYM
pathizes with II and takes on its color
ings. which are represented in the diff
ferent functions.
No man IL failure until he has lost his
his optimistic outlook. The
man who carries smiling face and keeps
cheerful in the midst Of disbursement
when the way Is dark and doubtful is
sure to win.