Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Health Institute 515prospered and sustained in their voluntary acts of righteousness. Theyhave a pharisaical religion which is not of Christ, but of themselves.They trust in their good works for salvation, vainly hoping to earnheaven by their meritorious works instead of relying, as every sin- [557]ner should, upon the merits of a crucified, risen, and exalted Saviour.These are almost sure to become sickly. But Christ and true godlinessare health to the body and strength to the soul.Let invalids do something instead of occupying their minds witha simple play, which lowers them in their own estimation and leadsthem to think their lives useless. Keep the power of the will awake, forthe will aroused and rightly directed is a potent soother of the nerves.Invalids are far happier to be employed, and their recovery is moreeasily effected.I saw that the greatest curse that ever came upon my husband andSister F was the instructions they received at-----in regard to remaininginactive in order to recover. The imagination of both was diseased,and their inactivity resulted in the thought and feeling that it wouldbe dangerous to health and life to exercise, especially if in doing sothey became weary. The machinery of the system, so seldom put inmotion, lost its elasticity and strength, so that when they did exercise,their joints were stiff and their muscles feeble, and every move requiredgreat effort and of course caused pain. Yet this very wearinesswould have proved a blessing to them had they, irrespective of feelingor unpleasant symptoms, perseveringly resisted their inclinations toinactivity.I saw that it would be far better for Sister F to be with her familyby herself and feel the responsibilities resting upon her. This wouldawaken into life her dormant energies. I was shown that the brokenupcondition of this dear family while at-----was unfavorable to theeducation and training of their children. For their own good thesechildren should be learning to take responsibilities in household laborand should feel that some burdens in life rest upon them. The mother,engaged in the education and training of her children, is employed inthe very work which God has assigned to her and for the sake of whichHe has in mercy heard the prayers offered for her recovery. While [558]she should shun wearing labor, she should above all avoid a life ofinactivity.