Exercise
97
off serious illness, but in the case of confirmed invalids it is seldom
necessary.—
Manuscript 2, 1870.
Inactivity Greatest Curse on Most Invalids—Inactivity is the
greatest curse that could come upon most invalids. This is especially
true of those whose troubles have been caused or aggravated by impure
practices.
Light employment in the direction of useful labor, while it does not
tax mind or body, has a happy influence upon both. It strengthens the
muscles, improves the circulation, and gives the invalid the satisfaction
of knowing that he is not wholly useless in this busy world. He may be
able to do but little at first; but he will soon find his strength increasing,
and the amount of work done can be increased accordingly.
Physicians often advise their patients to take an ocean voyage, to
go to some mineral spring, or to visit different places for change of
climate, in order to regain health, when in nine cases out of ten if
they would eat temperately and take cheerful, healthful exercise, they
would become well and would save time and money.—
Manuscript
90, Undated.
(See
The Ministry of Healing, 240
[1905].)
Exercise Must Be Systematic (counsel to an invalid mother)—
The Lord has given you a work to do which He does not propose to do
for you. You should move out from principle, in harmony with natural
law, irrespective of feeling. You should begin to act upon the light that
God has given you. You may not be able to do this all at once, but you
can do much by moving out gradually in faith, believing that God will
be your helper, that He will strengthen you.
You could exercise in walking and in performing duties requiring
light labor in your family and not be so dependent upon others. The
consciousness that you can do will give you increased strength. If your
[120]
hands were more employed and your brain less exercised in planning
for others, your physical and mental strength would increase. Your
brain is not idle, but there is not corresponding labor on the part of the
other organs of the body.
Exercise, to be of decided advantage to you, should be system-
atized and brought to bear upon the debilitated organs that they may
become strengthened by use. The movement cure [massage] is a
great advantage to a class of patients who are too feeble to exercise.
But for all who are sick to rely upon it, making it their dependence,