If the foregoing remarks are correct, it then becomes the _duty_ of every Christian to use all proper means to maintain a sound, healthful, and vigorous bodily constitution. And this is much more within the power of every individual than many imagine. It is true, that life, and health, and every blessing, come from God. But he does not give these things without the intervention of second causes. He has made our animal nature subject to certain fixed laws; and even when his own children violate these laws, he will work no miracle to preserve their health or save their lives. I am satisfied that the subject receives far too little attention from Christians in general. In this respect they seem to act upon the supposition that their lives are their own; and that the injury they bring upon their bodies, by imprudence and neglect of proper attention, concerns nobody but themselves. But this is a great mistake. Their lives belong to God. He has bought them with the precious blood of his dear Son. They have dedicated them to his service. They are bound, therefore, to use all proper means for their preservation, that they may be prolonged for the glory of God and the good of their fellow-men. But when I speak of the means to be used for the preservation of health, I do not intend that excessive attention to _remedies_, which leads so many people to resort to _medicine_ upon every slight illness. But I mean the study of the laws or principles of our animal existence; and a diligent care to live according to those laws. In short, I mean living _according to_ nature. Probably a large proportion of the diseases to which human life is subject, are the natural consequence of living _contrary to_ nature; or contravening the great laws which govern our present mode of existence.