PHYSICAL LAWS.

147

causes. He has made our animal nature subject to certain fixed laws; and even when his own children violate these laws, he will work no miracle to preserve their health or save their lives. I am satisfied that the subject receives far too little attention from Christians in general. In this respect they seem to act upon the supposition that their lives are their own; and that the injury they bring upon their bodies, by imprudence and neglect of proper attention, concerns nobody but themselves. But this is a great mistake. Their lives belong to God. He has bought them with the precious blood of his dear Son. They have dedicated them to his service. They are bound, therefore, to use all proper means for their preservation, that they may be prolonged for the glory of God and the good of their fellow-men.

But, when I speak of the means to be used for the preservation of health, I do not intend that excessive attention to remedies, which leads so many people to resort to medicine upon every slight illness. But I mean the study of the laws or principles of our animal existence; and a diligent care to live according to those laws. In short, I mean living according to nature. Probably a large proportion of the diseases to which human life is subject are the natural consequence of living contrary to nature, or contravening the great laws which govern our present mode of existence.

Within the compass of a single chapter I cannot

148

INFLUENCE OF LADIES.

be very particular on this subject. But I would recommend to you to read approved writers on health, and the structure and constitution of the human body. Try to understand the principles upon which this truly wonderful machine is kept in motion. You will find it a most interesting subject. You will see the evidence of a mighty intellect in its construction. You will also be able to draw from it practical lessons to guide you in the most common concerns of life. I am the more earnest in this recommendation, because I think you will discover that many of those habits and customs of society, which are peculiarly under the control of ladies, need reforming. I am seriously of the opinion that the general health of society depends far more upon the ladies than upon the physicians. The former direct the preparation of the daily supplies of food designed to sustain, refresh, and keep in motion the human system. The latter can only give prescriptions for regulating this delicate machinery, when, by mismanagement, it has got out of order. I will, however, give you a few simple rules for the preservation of health, which, though incomplete, will be of great benefit, if faithfully pursued. From experience, study, and observation, you will no doubt be able to add to them many improvements.

I. Make attention to health a matter of conscience, as a religious duty. Pray daily that God would give you wisdom and self-denial, that you

CONNECTION OF MIND AND BODY. 149

may be able to avoid whatever is injurious, and to persevere in the judicious use of such means as are necessary to promote sound health and energy of body.

II. Maintain habitual cheerfulness and tranquillity of mind. Few persons are aware of the influence which this has upon the health of the body. The opinion has been advanced, and not without reason, that the stomach is affected chiefly by the influence of the brain on the nervous system. If this theory is correct, it adds very much to the importance of the suggestions under this head.* If you are subject to melancholy, avoid it, and fight against it as a sin, dishonoring to God, and destructive of your own health and happiness. It is dishonoring to God, because it is calculated to give the world a gloomy and repulsive idea of religion. Nor is this view of the subject at all inconsistent with the exercise of sorrow for sin, sympathy for distress, and concern for the perishing. Godly sorrow is a melting exercise, which softens the heart, and brings it low before God; while a sight of the cross of Christ, and a sense of pardoning love, bring a holy calm and heavenly peace over the soul. But despondency comes over us like the withering blasts of winter. It congeals the tender emotions of the heart, and casts an icy gloom over every object. It hides from our view every thing lovely. It makes us insensible to the mercies of

* See Dr. Brigham's Treatise on the Influence of Mental Culture on Health.

150

CONNECTION OF MIND AND BODY.

God which he is daily lavishing upon us. It shuts up the soul to brood alone, over every thing dark and hideous. It is no less unfriendly to the exercise of holy affections, than levity of conversation and manners. Although often created by bodily infirmity, it reacts, and renders disease doubly ferocious. Yet it is so far under the control of the will, that grace will enable us to subdue it. There is a very intimate connection between the mind and body. The one acts upon the other. Depression of spirits enfeebles all the animal powers, and particularly disturbs digestion, thereby deranging the whole system. If, therefore, you ever feel a gloomy depression of spirits, try to bring your mind into a serene and grateful frame, by meditating on the mercies you enjoy, and exercising a cheerful submission to the will of God. Remember that God directs all your ways, and that you have just as much of every comfort and blessing as he sees fit to give you, and infinitely more than you deserve. Rise above yourself, and think of the infinite loveliness of the divine. character. But, if this is not sufficient, walk out and view the works of nature, and try to forget yourself in contemplating the wisdom and glory of God, as manifest in them; and the bodily exercise will assist in driving away this disturber of your peace. Or seek the society of some Christian friend, who is not subject to depression of spirits, and converse about those heavenly truths which are calculated to call forth the exercise of love,

BE REGULAR IN YOUR HABITS.

151

joy, and gratitude, and make you lose sight of yourself in the fulness and glory of God. But avoid, at such times, the society of those who, like yourself, are subject to depression, unless they have made so much progress in subduing this infirmity as to be able not only to sympathize with you, but to give you encouragement. Sympathy alone will but increase the evil. Any violent emotion of the mind, or exercise of strong passions of any kind, is likewise exceedingly injurious to the health of the body.

III. Be REGULAR in all your habits. Ascertain, as nearly as you can, from your own feelings and experience, how many hours of sleep you require. No general rule can be adopted, on this subject. Some people need more sleep than others. The want of sleep, and excessive indulgence in it, alike operate to enervate both body and mind. Probably every constitution may be safely brought be tween five and eight hours. Of this you will judge, by making a fair trial. That period of sleep which renders both body and mind most energetic and vigorous should be adopted. Rev. John Wesley states that he was, in the early part of his life, in the habit of sleeping late in the morning; but that he found himself wakeful and restless in the middle of the night, and nervous all day. He commenced rising earlier every morning, until he could sleep soundly all night, and found himself much improved in health. He went farther, and endeavored still more to diminish his sleep; but