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Temperate Habits and Physical Exercise Produce Vigor,
October 13
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2
Corinthians 7:1
, NKJV.
Many have suffered from severe mental taxation, unrelieved by physical ex-
ercise. The result is a deterioration of their powers, and they are inclined to shun
responsibilities. What they need is more active labor. This condition is not confined
to those whose heads are white with the frost of time; those young in years have
fallen into the same state, and have become mentally feeble.
Strictly temperate habits, combined with exercise of the muscles as well as of the
mind, will preserve both mental and physical vigor, and give power of endurance
to those engaged in the ministry, to editors, and to all others whose habits are
sedentary.
Ministers, teachers, and students do not become as intelligent as they should
in regard to the necessity of physical exercise in the open air. They neglect this
duty, a duty which is most essential to the preservation of health. They closely
apply their minds to study, and yet eat the allowance of a laboring man. Under such
habits, some grow corpulent, because the system is clogged. Others become thin
and feeble, because their vital powers are exhausted in throwing off the excess of
food.... If physical exercise were combined with mental exertion, the circulation
of the blood would be quickened, the action of the heart would be more perfect,
impure matter would be thrown off, and new life and vigor would be felt in every
part of the body....
It is a sacred work in which we are engaged.... It is a duty that we owe to God
to keep the spirit pure, as a temple for the Holy Ghost. If the heart and mind are
devoted to the service of God, obeying all His commandments, loving Him with
all the heart, might, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves, we shall be
found loyal and true to the requirements of Heaven.
We are now in God’s workshop. Many of us are rough stones from the quarry.
But as the truth of God is brought to bear upon us, every imperfection is removed,
and we are prepared to shine as lively stones in the heavenly temple, where we
shall be brought into association not only with the holy angels but with the King of
heaven Himself.
The consciousness of right doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and
minds. The special blessing of God resting upon the receiver is health and strength.
A person whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is in the pathway to health.—
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 160-162
.
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