Bible Religion and Cleanliness.
By A. S. Hutchins
The religion of the Bible elevates the receiver, mentally, morally, and physically. It not only enjoins inward purity, but the uniform teachings of the Scriptures are, that its Author also requires physical purity. Indeed, it is difficult to conceive how inward purity can dwell with outward neglect, and untidiness. What communion has purity with impurity, more than light has with darkness? As one who reverenced and feared the God of the Bible was to approach him with becoming tokens of gratitude for past favors when in great distress, among other precepts to his household and all that were with him, was this, “Be ye clean, and change your garments.” Gen. 35:2. When the hosts of Israel were gathered around the base of Mount Sinai, from whose quaking, burning height, God was to proclaim his immutable law, “the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, and let them wash their clothes.” Following this chosen people in their journeying through the wilderness, beholding them in their tabernacle and temple services, we observe order and physical purity in all their devotional exercises. And we cannot think the Unchangeable One regards with less delight and approbation, outward acts of respect and honor for him and the place of his worship, under this, than under the former, dispensation. It seems that the mind of every Christian health reformer will concur with this view, and that he will act with reference to the honor of God, and to the promotion of health and longevity. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:16, 17. A very close and sacred relation exists between God and his people, through the meritorious sufferings, and the purifying blood of his dear Son. How can those who defile themselves with the foul practice of tobacco-using think that they can enjoy this near connection with the God of purity? This practice is ruinous in point of means, ruinous with respect to health, and both filthy and disgusting. Tobacco smoke and tobacco spittle defile everything with which they come in contact. We marvel not that a lady, on hearing that a man had invented a stove which consumed its own smoke, expressed a wish that he might devise some method whereby tobacco smokers can be run on the same economical principle. Then, if ministers could not talk of “smoking to the glory of God,” they, and their people, and all others who will consume the poisonous weed, certainly could enjoy (?) the fumes of the pipe and cigar all to themselves, to which from all the ranks of health reformers a voice would be heard saying, “Amen!” But on this subject the light is shining. Hygienic principles are gaining ground; and those who adopt and vindicate them are increasing in numbers, and glorious victories are being achieved. Let reformers gird themselves with courage and strength. And let the church of God awake and put on her garments of beauty and purity and be of the number of whom it may be said in truth, “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.” Says the apostle, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1. To be cleanly in person, in apparel, and in surroundings, is harmonious with the teachings of the Holy Bible. A neglect here, invites disease and death. Months since, typhoid fever came into a family bringing protracted sickness to several of its members, and finally death. Near to this country dwelling, which should have breathed the pure atmosphere of heaven every day and every hour, stood a pig-sty, nearer still was a most filthy, and terribly neglected outbuilding; and closer still, on the opposite side of the dwelling, was an offensive cess-pool. From all of these avenues of infection the effluvia of death poured in upon the inmates constantly. In respect to the position of, and attention given to, out-buildings there is often a serious neglect. Their location is such that it is impossible for the inmates of the dwelling to escape the exhalations therefrom, by day or by night. With reference to these things important instruction may be gained by reference to Deut. 23:13, 14. If God formerly would “turn away” from walking in the midst of his people on beholding in their camps “unclean things,” may he not turn away from them now for similar neglects? Let us rather solicit his presence, his divine favor, and approbation. To him who is “altogether lovely,” let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” A. S. HUTCHINS.