THE BEST REMEDY by O. H. H.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 14, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 27.

THE BEST REMEDY.

By O. H. H.

At the dinner table the other day, among a company of believers, the conversation turned upon the comparative merits of works of fiction. The point was, whether such works usually constitute a part of a minister's library. The discussion soon narrowed from a general to a specific character, and instead of urging the comparative merits of such volumes, it was argued that in times of mental depression this style of reading possesses a positively intrinsic quality. Two cases were then cited to prove the assertion. One, that of a minister who has the reputation of having been one of the most devoted and devotional of his time, the other a professor in one of our theological seminaries, equally noted for his lofty attainments in the divine life. Respecting the former it was asserted that he was addicted to seasons of spiritual despondency, and when thus afflicted would invariably resort to a fictitious style of literature. Of course it was insisted that in this way he found an adequate if not instantaneous relief! Regarding the other, the spiritually-minded professor, it was affirmed that he adopted the same method to relieve the mind and cheer the spirits of his invalid wife, who was also subject to periods of mental gloom. The plan in this case also was said to be effectual.

Now, if these were cases of actual occurrence—they are simply founded on rumor—it is in order to ask, What becomes of the Bible method? Is there not a direct and sharp antagonism between the two methods of dissipating mental clouds? The psalmist surely knew as much about this matter as anyone, either before or after him, but we fail to discover any trace of the panacea of modern invention. When de profundis he sends up the wailing cry, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" he does not say, "Read some frivolous volume and thereby secure the boon of mental refreshment." Oh, no! His panacea was, "Hope thou in God"! Yes, in the midst of shattered nerves, and impending clouds, and dejected spirits, and brooding and awful desolation; aye, when not a flickering star appears to cheer the rayless night—"hope thou in God"! He is yet over all, and in all, and through all in spite of the encircling gloom. Ay, and that gloom, however dismal now, shall at length—perhaps very shortly—be not only pierced but deluged by sunshine in God's own time, and God's own way.

When, during the darkest period of the Reformation, Melancthon became despondent, the more hopeful Luther would say, "Come, Philip, cheer up! Let us sing the forty-sixth psalm," and the method acted like a charm.—O. H. H., in N. Y. Observer.