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are in danger of taking cold, because of the cellar-like atmosphere
pervading them. Parlor chambers and bedrooms are kept closed in the
same manner and for the same reasons. And whoever occupies these
beds which have not been freely exposed to the light and air, do so at
the expense of health, and often even of life itself.
Rooms that are not exposed to light and air become damp. Beds
and bedding gather dampness, and the atmosphere in these rooms is
poisonous, because it has not been purified by light and air. Various
diseases have been brought on by sleeping in these fashionable health-
destroying apartments. Every family who prizes health above the
empty applause of fashionable visitors, will have a circulation of air,
and an abundance of light through every apartment of their houses for
several hours each day. But many will follow fashion so closely, they
become slaves to it, and would suffer sickness, and even death, rather
than be out of the fashion. They will reap that which they have sown.
They will live fashionably, and suffer with diseases as the result, be
doctored with fashionable poisons, and die fashionable deaths.
Sleeping rooms especially should be well ventilated, and the at-
mosphere made healthy by light and air. Blinds should be left open
several hours each day, the curtains put aside, and the room thoroughly
aired. Nothing should remain, even for a short time, which would
destroy the purity of the atmosphere.
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Many families suffer with sore throat, and lung diseases, and liver
complaints, brought upon them by their own course of action. Their
sleeping rooms are small, unfit to sleep in for one night, but they
occupy the small unhealthy apartments for weeks and months, and
years. They keep their windows and doors closed, fearing they should
take cold if there was a crevice open to let in the air. They breathe
the same air over and over, until it becomes impregnated with the
poisonous impurities, and waste matter, thrown off from their bodies,
through the lungs, and the pores of the skin. Such can test the matter,
and be convinced of the unhealthy air in their close rooms, by entering
them after they have remained awhile in the open air. Then they can
have some idea of the impurities they have conveyed to their blood,
through the inhalations of the lungs. Those who thus abuse their health,
must suffer with disease. All should regard light and air as among
Heaven’s most precious blessings. They should not shut out these
blessings as though they were enemies.