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The Ministry of Health and Healing
The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort
that many are not willing to give. Nature’s process of healing and
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upbuilding is gradual, and to impatient people it seems slow. The
surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice, but in the end
it will be found that nature, unrestricted, does her work wisely and
well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will be rewarded
with health of body and health of mind.
Too little attention is generally given to preserving one’s health.
It is far better to prevent disease than to know how to treat it when
contracted. It is the duty of every person, for his or her own sake,
and for the sake of humanity, to be informed in regard to the laws
of life and to obey them conscientiously. All need to become ac-
quainted with that most wonderful of all organisms, the human body.
They should understand the functions of the various organs and the
dependence of one upon another for the healthy action of all. They
should study the influence of the mind on the body and of the body
on the mind, and the laws by which they are governed.
Training for Life’s Conflict
We cannot be reminded too often that health does not depend
on chance. It is a result of obedience to law. This is recognized by
competitors in athletic games and contests requiring strength. These
men and women make the most careful preparation. They submit
to thorough training and strict discipline. Every physical habit is
carefully regulated. They know that neglect, excess, or carelessness,
which weakens or cripples any organ or function of the body, would
guarantee defeat.
How much more important is such carefulness to ensure success
in the conflict of life. It is not make-believe battles in which we are
engaged. We are waging a warfare upon which hang eternal results.
We have unseen enemies to meet. Evil angels are trying to dominate
every human being. Whatever injures one’s health not only lessens
physical vigor but tends to weaken the mental and moral powers.
Indulgence in any unhealthful practice makes it more difficult for
a person to discriminate between right and wrong, and hence more
difficult to resist evil. It increases the danger of failure and defeat.