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Outdoor Activity, May 12
Elements of Good Health
The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he
put the man whom he had formed.... And the Lord God took the
man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Genesis 2:8-15
To Adam and Eve was committed the care of the garden, “to dress it
and to keep it.” Though rich in all that the Owner of the universe could
supply, they were not to be idle. Useful occupation was appointed them
as a blessing, to strengthen the body, to expand the mind, and to develop
the character.
Let men and women work in field and orchard and garden. This will
bring health and strength to nerve and muscle.... Every part of the human
organism should be equally taxed. This is necessary for the harmonious
development and action of every part.... God made nerve and muscle in
order that they might be used. It is the inaction of the human machinery
that brings suffering and disease.
More people die for want of exercise than through overfatigue; very
many more rust out than wear out. Those who accustom themselves to
proper exercise in the open air will generally have a good and vigorous
circulation.
Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven,
or cultivating flowers, small fruits, and vegetables, is necessary to a
healthful circulation of the blood. It is the surest safeguard against colds,
coughs, congestions of brain and lungs, inflammation of the liver, the
kidneys, and the lungs, and a hundred other diseases.
Go out and exercise every day, even though some things indoors have
to be neglected.
The more nearly we come into harmony with God’s original plan,
the more favorable will be our position for the recovery and preservation
of health.
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