Health
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fevers, and what is termed disease. But even then, if those who are
afflicted would assist nature in her efforts, by the use of pure, soft
water, much suffering would be prevented. But many, instead of doing
this, and seeking to remove the poisonous matter from the system,
take a more deadly poison into the system, to remove a poison already
there.
If every family realized the beneficial results of thorough cleanli-
ness, they would make special efforts to remove every impurity from
their persons, and from their houses, and would extend their efforts
to their premises. Many suffer decayed vegetable matter to remain
about their premises. They are not awake to the influence of these
things. There is constantly arising from these decaying substances
an effluvia that is poisoning the air. By inhaling the impure air, the
blood is poisoned, the lungs become affected, and the whole system
is diseased. Disease of almost every description will be caused by
inhaling the atmosphere affected by these decaying substances.
Families have been afflicted with fevers, some have died, and the
remaining portion of the family circle have almost murmured against
their Maker because of their distressing bereavements, when the sole
cause of all their sickness and death has been the result of their own
carelessness. The impurities about their own premises have brought
upon them contagious diseases, and the sad afflictions which they
charge upon God. Every family that prizes health should cleanse their
houses and their premises of all decaying substances.
God commanded that the children of Israel should in no case allow
impurities of their persons, or of their clothing. Those who had any
personal uncleanliness were shut out of the camp until evening, and
then were required to cleanse themselves and their clothing before
they could enter the camp. Also they were commanded of God to
have no impurities upon the premises within a great distance of the
encampment, lest the Lord should pass by and see their uncleanliness.
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Many do not realize the necessity of light, and pure air in their
houses in order to have health. Some build houses, and furnish them
expensively, more to gratify pride, and to receive visitors, than for the
comfort, convenience and health of their families. The best rooms are
kept dark. The light and air are shut out, lest the light of heaven may
injure the rich furniture, fade the carpets, or tarnish the picture frames.
When visitors are permitted to be seated in these precious rooms, they