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The Ministry of Healing
ciples involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical
training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge.
The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and
effort that many are not willing to give. Nature’s process of healing
and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The
surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it
will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and
well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the
reward in health of body and health of mind.
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Too little attention is generally given to the preservation of health.
It is far better to prevent disease than to know how to treat it when
contracted. It is the duty of every person, for his own sake, and for the
sake of humanity, to inform himself in regard to the laws of life and
conscientiously to obey them. All need to become acquainted with
that most wonderful of all organisms, the human body. They should
understand the functions of the various organs and the dependence
of one upon another for the healthy action of all. They should study
the influence of the mind upon the body, and of the body upon the
mind, and the laws by which they are governed.
Training for Life’s Conflict
We cannot be too often reminded that health does not depend
on chance. It is a result of obedience to law. This is recognized by
the contestants in athletic games and trials of strength. These men
make the most careful preparation. They submit to thorough training
and strict discipline. Every physical habit is carefully regulated.
They know that neglect, excess, or carelessness, which weakens or
cripples any organ or function of the body, would ensure defeat.
How much more important is such carefulness to ensure success
in the conflict of life. It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged.
We are waging a warfare upon which hang eternal results. We have
unseen enemies to meet. Evil angels are striving for the dominion
of every human being. Whatever injures the health, not only lessens
physical vigor, but tends to weaken the mental and moral powers.
Indulgence in any unhealthful practice makes it more difficult for one
to discriminate between right and wrong, and hence more difficult
to resist evil. It increases the danger of failure and defeat.
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