Habits and Longevity by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 12, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 15.

Habits and Longevity

By Editor

Habits and Longevity.—Two men recently died, one at the age of 107 years, the other at 100. The first smoked and drank intoxicating liquors all his adult life; the second was an immoderate user of tobacco. Neither of them had been ill to speak of. Now all that this means is that these men had very strong constitutions, and survived, despite their wrong habits. Individual cases establish no rule. There are men who live most unhygienically, eat irregularly, gormandize at times, sleep and wake at all hours, are addicted to various vices, and yet live to very old age. No one for a moment believes that their wrong habits of life have contributed to this; rather, they have a strong constitution, able to withstand the destructive influences. Sometimes they labor hard, spend much time in the open air and sunshine, perspire freely, and drink much water. All these are large eliminators of poisons in the system. Others of weaker constitutions, but temperate lives, shut themselves away from air and sunlight, and die. Yet we know that right living is good for all. Many have given up the tobacco habit, and have recovered from many ills. Many have abjured tobacco and drink, and have become better in every way—physically, financially, mentally, morally. Almost invariably these are the results. But we know of no cases where one who was an abstainer was made better by indulgence in these things. And even those who lived long despite of wrong habits, would live fuller lives of cleanliness, purity, and fullness in God. We pity those in the bondage of these habits. Would God all were free. What a blessing it would be to the world.