Health Department by M. Wood

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jun 24, 1875

Health Department.

By M. Wood

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2.

Sunshine.

Several years ago, while canvassing for the Health Reformer, I called upon the proprietor of one of the principal hotels in Boston to solicit his subscription for the journal. After making known my business I presented him with a copy of the Reformer which he examined with apparent interest, until his eyes rested upon an article entitled, Sunlight which was sufficient of itself to close the hotel doors against a health journal second to none. "Take it away," said the now offended Landlord. To place such a book as that before his patrons would be equivalent to a request to vacate his rooms, where the light of day, or the sun's healing rays, never penetrate; where women and children remain month after month, being too delicate to venture forth in the open air. Our friend had wisdom enough to see that the principles inculcated in the Health Reformer were of the right stamp, but was too selfish to allow it a place on his parlor tables, where thousands might read and be benefitted by its teachings. Science, as well as common sense, teaches us that sick and delicate people—and there are many in America—should court the sun. The worst specific is laudanum, and the very best is sunshine. Therefore, it is very plain that all poor, pale, puny looking women and children, who are caged up in hotels, like so many birds, should pass as many hours as possible in the sunshine, and as few as possible in the shade.

Many women are martyrs, and yet they do not know it. They shut the sunshine out from their houses and their hearts. They wear veils, they carry parasols and do all possible to keep off the most subtle, and yet most potent, influence which will give them strength, and beauty, and cheerfulness.

Dear reader, is it not time to change all this, and get color and roses in your pale cheeks, strength in your weak backs, and courage in your timid souls? Those who, from false pride and modesty, hide themselves from the sunshine, are pale and delicate. They may be blooming and strong; and the sun's healing rays will be a potent influence in their transformation. Ladies try it, and you will never regret it. M. Wood.