, the power that heals is
really Divine, for the attributes of the herb of mineral are from the
Divine Bestowals. "All depends upon God. Medicine is merely an outward
form or means by which we obtain heavenly healing."

Healing by Nonmaterial Means

He teaches that there are also many methods of healing without material
means. There is a "contagion of health," as well as a contagion of
disease, although the former is very slow and has a small effect, while
the latter is often violent and rapid in its action.

Much more powerful effects result from the patient's own mental states,
and "suggestion" may play an important part in determining these states.
Fear, anger, worry, et cetera, are very prejudicial to health, while hope,
love, joy, et cetera, are correspondingly beneficial.

Thus Baha'u'llah says:--

Verily the most necessary thing is contentment under all
circumstances; by this one is preserved from morbid conditions and
lassitude. Yield not to grief and sorrow: they cause the greatest
misery. Jealousy consumeth the body and anger doth burn the liver:
avoid these two as you would a lion.--Tablet to a Physician.

And 'Abdu'l-Baha says:--"Joy gives us wings. In times of joy our strength
is more vital, our intellect keener.... But when sadness visits us our
strength leaves us."

Of another form of mental healing 'Abdu'l-Baha writes that it results:--

from the entire concentration of the mind of a strong person upon
a sick person, when the latter expects with all his concentrated
faith that a cure will be effected from the spiritual power of the
strong person, to such an extent that there will be a cordial
connection between the strong person and the invalid. The strong
person makes every effort to cure the sick patient, and the sick
patient is then sure of receiving a cure. From the effect of these
mental impressions an excitement of the nerves is produced, and
this impression and this excitement of the nerves will become the
cause of the recovery of the sick person.--Some Answered Questions,
p. 294.

All these methods of healing, however, are limited in their effects, and
may fail to effect a cure in severe maladies.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

The most potent means of healing is the Power of the Holy Spirit.

... This does not depend on contact, nor on sight, nor upon
presence.... Whether the disease b