Recipe for Spiritual Health
RECIPE FOR SPIRITUAL HEALTH.—Both bodily and spiritual health are desirable. Both are exposed to injury from many causes. When the injury is not too deep and extensive, both may be recovered. What is the course to be pursued in order to secure spiritual health? 1. You must take exercise. You must walk daily in the vineyard of God's Church. You must work in the vineyard of God's Church. You must bathe in the fountain of redeeming blood. In a word, you must exercise all the graces of the Spirit. 2. You must pay attention to your diet. You must be careful about your food. Bread and water are sufficient; the bread of life and the waters of salvation. These satisfy and sanctify; they make healthy, and keep healthy. You must take sufficient. A little will keep you living, but much is necessary to health. This food you must take regularly, for regularity is important. You cannot prosper and be in health unless you live upon Christ, and live upon him every day. 3. A little medicine is necessary; in some cases a good deal. This is made up of the bitter herbs of disappointments, losses, crosses, temptations, bereavements, troubles, and trials of various sorts. The medicine is very unpleasant, but very profitable. Unless taken, and taken pretty freely, you will be laid up with idleness, carelessness, anxiety; pride or selfishness. Your heavenly Father prepares this medicine. Divine Providence presents it. You must take it, and expect benefit from it. 4. You must keep your mind free from anxious trouble. In order to this you must live in peace with God; be content with your lot, and trust the promises.