General Hygiene
89
sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes.”
[
Exodus 19:10
.] They were directed to do this lest there should be
impurity about them as they should come before him. He is a God of
order, and he requires order and cleanliness in his people.
The children of Israel were in no case to allow any impurities to
remain upon their clothing or upon themselves. Those who had any
personal uncleanness were to be shut out of the camp until the evening,
and then were required to cleanse themselves and their clothing before
they could return. They were also commanded to carry all their refuse
to a great distance from the camp. And this was a sanitary measure, as
well as a religious regulation. The Lord requires no less of his people
now than he did anciently. A neglect of cleanliness will induce disease.
Sickness does not come without a cause. Violent epidemics of fevers
have occurred in villages and cities that were considered perfectly
healthful, and these have resulted in death or broken constitutions.
[106]
In many instances the premises of the very ones who fell victims to
these epidemics, contained the agents of destruction which sent forth
deadly poison into the atmosphere, to be inhaled by the family and
the neighborhood. It is astonishing to witness the prevailing ignorance
relative to the effects which slackness and recklessness produce upon
health.
When Lord Palmerston, premier of England, was petitioned by
the Scottish clergy to appoint a day of fasting and prayer to avert the
cholera, he replied, “Cleanse and disinfect your streets and houses,
promote cleanliness and health among the poor, and see that they are
plentifully supplied with good food and raiment, and employ right
sanitary measures generally, and you will have no occasion to fast and
pray. Nor will the Lord hear your prayers while these, his preventives,
remain unheeded.”
It is not God who has brought upon us the many woes which
mortals now inherit. Our own folly has led us to deprive ourselves of
things that are precious, of the blessings which, if properly used, are
of inestimable value in the maintenance of health. If you would have
your home sweet and inviting, make it bright with air and sunshine.
Remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds,
and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of
your carpets.