Importance of Cleanliness
283
settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed and
inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease.
The lungs are constantly throwing off impurities, and they need
to be constantly supplied with fresh air. Impure air does not afford
the necessary supply of oxygen, and the blood passes to the brain
and other organs without being vitalized. Hence the necessity of
thorough ventilation. To live in close, ill-ventilated rooms, where
the air is dead and vitiated, weakens the entire system. It becomes
peculiarly sensitive to the influence of cold, and a slight exposure
[219]
induces disease. It is close confinement indoors that makes many
women pale and feeble. They breathe the same air over and over until
it becomes laden with poisonous matter thrown off through the lungs
and pores, and impurities are thus conveyed back to the blood
Many are suffering from disease because they refuse to receive
into their rooms at night the pure night air. The free, pure air of heaven
is one of the richest blessings we can enjoy
Scrupulous cleanliness is essential to both physical and mental
health. Impurities are constantly thrown off from the body through the
skin. Its millions of pores are quickly clogged unless kept clean by
frequent bathing, and the impurities which should pass off through the
skin become an additional burden to the other eliminating organs.
Most persons would receive benefit from a cool or tepid bath every
day, morning or evening. Instead of increasing the liability to take
cold, a bath, properly taken, fortifies against cold, because it improves
the circulation; the blood is brought to the surface, and a more easy
and regular flow is obtained. The mind and the body are alike in-
vigorated. The muscles become more flexible, the intellect is made
brighter. The bath is a soother of the nerves. Bathing helps the bowels,
the stomach, and the liver, giving health and energy to each, and it
promotes digestion.
It is important also that the clothing be kept clean. The garments
worn absorb the waste matter that passes off through the pores; if
they are not frequently changed and washed, the impurities will be
reabsorbed.
371
The Ministry of Healing, 272-274
372
Testimonies for the Church 2:528