they might not have made much higher attainments. If you have read
the lives of Brainerd, Martyn, and Payson, I think you will be convinced
of this. Yet, I do not say that the _affliction_ of ill health might not
have been the means which God used to make them faithful. But if they
had been equally faithful, with strong and vigorous bodies, I have no
doubt they would have done much more good in the world, and arrived at a
much higher degree of personal sanctification. During much of their
lives, they were borne down and depressed by feeble health, and they all
died in the prime of life. Now, suppose them to have been as devoted as
they were, with strong and vigorous constitutions, until they had
arrived at the period of old age; might they not have brought forth much
more fruit? If so, then God would have been so much more glorified in
them; for our Lord says, "Herein is my Father glorified, _that ye bear
much fruit_."

If the foregoing remarks are correct, it then becomes the _duty_ of
every Christian to use all proper means to maintain a sound, healthful,
and vigorous bodily constitution. And this is much more within the power
of every individual than many imagine. It is true, that life, and
health, and every blessing, come from God. But he does not give these
things without the intervention of second 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 thos