ese means have no power in severe maladies, unless the constitution
helps, because a strong constitution often overcomes disease. This is the
third kind of healing.

But the fourth kind of healing is produced through the power of the Holy
Spirit. This does not depend on contact, nor on sight, nor upon presence;
it is not dependent upon any condition. Whether the disease be light or
severe, whether there be a contact of bodies or not, whether a personal
connection be established between the sick person and the healer or not,
this healing takes place through the power of the Holy Spirit.

73: HEALING BY MATERIAL MEANS

Yesterday at table we spoke of curative treatment and spiritual healing,
which consists in treating maladies through the spiritual powers.

Now let us speak of material healing. The science of medicine is still in
a condition of infancy; it has not reached maturity. But when it has
reached this point, cures will be performed by things which are not
repulsive to the smell and taste of man--that is to say, by aliments,
fruits and vegetables which are agreeable to the taste and have an
agreeable smell. For the provoking cause of disease--that is to say, the
cause of the entrance of disease into the human body--is either a physical
one or is the effect of excitement of the nerves.

But the principal causes of disease are physical, for the human body is
composed of numerous elements, but in the measure of an especial
equilibrium. As long as this equilibrium is maintained, man is preserved
from disease; but if this essential balance, which is the pivot of the
constitution, is disturbed, the constitution is disordered, and disease
will supervene.

For instance, there is a decrease in one of the constituent ingredients of
the body of man, and in another there is an increase; so the proportion of
the equilibrium is disturbed, and disease occurs. For example, one
ingredient must be one thousand grams in weight, and another five grams,
in order that the equilibrium be maintained. The part which is one
thousand grams diminishes to seven hundred grams, and that which is five
grams augments until the measure of the equilibrium is disturbed; then
disease occurs. When by remedies and treatments the equilibrium is
reestablished, the disease is banished. So if the sugar constituent
increases, the health is impaired; and when the doctor forbids sweet and
starchy foods, the sugar constituent diminishes, the equili