Counsels on Health - Ellen G. White

and do we not understand it by experience?” But
the experience of a person whose imagination is at
fault should not have much weight with anyone.
The season most to be dreaded by any going
among these invalids is winter. It is winter indeed,
not only outdoors, but in, to those who are
compelled to live in the same house and sleep in
the same room. These victims of a diseased
imagination shut themselves indoors and close the
windows; for the air affects their lungs and their
heads. Imagination is active; they expect to take
cold, and they will have it. No amount of reasoning
can make them believe that they do not understand
the philosophy of the whole matter. Have they not
proved it? they will argue. It is true that they have
proved one side of the question,—by persisting in
their own course,—and yet they do take cold if in
the least exposed. Tender as babies, they cannot
endure anything; yet they live on, and continue to
close the windows and doors, and hover over the
stove, and enjoy their misery. They have surely
proved that their course has not made them well,
but has increased their difficulties. Why will not
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