Godliness and Health
[
The Signs of the Times, October 23, 1884
.]
The wise man says that wisdom’s “ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.”
Proverbs 3:17
. Many cherish the im-
pression that devotion to God is detrimental to health and to cheerful
happiness in the social relations of life. But those who walk in the
path of wisdom and holiness find that “godliness is profitable unto all
things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to
come.”
1 Timothy 4:8
. They are alive to the enjoyment of life’s real
pleasures, while they are not troubled with vain regrets over misspent
hours, nor with gloom or horror of mind, as the worldling too often is
when not diverted by some exciting amusement....
Godliness does not conflict with the laws of health, but is in har-
mony with them. Had men ever been obedient to the law of Ten
Commandments, had they carried out in their lives the principles of
these ten precepts, the curse of disease that now floods the world would
not be. Men may teach that trifling amusements are necessary to keep
the mind above despondency. The mind may indeed be thus diverted
for the time being; but after the excitement is over, calm reflection
comes. Conscience arouses and makes her voice heard, saying, “This
is not the way to obtain health or true happiness.”
There are many amusements that excite the mind, but depression
is sure to follow. Other modes of recreation are innocent and healthful;
but useful labor that affords physical exercise will often have a more
beneficial influence upon the mind, while at the same time it will
strengthen the muscles, improve the circulation, and prove a powerful
agent in the recovery of health.
[628]
“What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he
may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking
guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The
eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto
their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the
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