CONSECRATION OF THE BODY.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 99, 30 December 1904, Page 7

CONSECRATION OF THE BODY.

Should Be Ke»t Wholetsotn>e aasV Agre»»sjle— Pit to Be tine Ttesms>le of God. The Christian presents his body to God as a living: sacrifice. That, the apostle said, is a spiritual worship. It is not, then, an occasional act, but a constant- service. Physical cleanliness is a religions duty. The diet that promotes wholesomeness is a tribute to the Father to whom we offer our bodies. Abstinence from stimulants, > luxuries, indulgences that would profane them is imperative, if we would not shame ourselves by an unholy offering. Jesus Christ dnr Lord' had abounding health. He exhausted Himseli: with toil for others, He groaned with pain because of the willful -blind-ness of men to the message He brought them. His frame shook with sobs because of the woes- that were coming to His country, His heart broke at last under the burdens of the world's sin. but we have no record that He ever was sick. Disea*© in others fled at His presence. He came, He said., that men might have life abundantly. Thar meant vigor of body, as well as cZ mind and spirit. He rejoiced in giving hlalth. To imitate Him is to take all wise means to make our bodies wholesome and agreeable, fit to pre- . sent to God as a gift. The Christian prepares and keep his body as a temple of the Holy Spivit. "Know ye not that your body is .i temple of the Holy Spirit v^ucn is ir you?" We delight to furnish the roon< where we entertain our loved and revered guest so that it will give him pleasure. To discover that we hafplaced there anything offensive to an honorable person would be an unforgettable shame. It must be admitted that we are tempted even thus fb dishonor the greatest and holiest One who makes himself our guest. But selfcontrol to shut away evil and unworthy thoughts from tenantry in a body /where the Holy Spirit dwells is the •first necessity to manhood). One who laid bare his own weaknesses that he might help his fello-wmen to be pur( and strong said: "I buffet my body anc bring it Into bondage." So will we d( that we may have fellowship with th( Father and "with His Son, Jesus Chrisi We have known deformed bodie that were beautified by the evident ir dwelling of the Holy Spirit. AYe hay. seen disease made a discipline to brinthe heavenly guest into closer con. panionsh:p. For whatever defects m: ■ ■ bodies have, if they are used honorablas a sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Goc. - we have the assurance that the Lor; Jesus Christ "shall fashion anew th body of our humiliation, that it ma be conformed to the body of Hi glory." — Boston CongregHrtionalist.