imposes on us the duty of proper attention to cleanliness, exercise,
dress, air, temperature, eating, drinking, sleeping, &c.--mars, in a
greater or less degree, our beauty. Such a disclosure might be
startling; but it ought to be made. Dr. Bell, in the volume mentioned,
has led the way; and his work entitles him to a high place among the
benefactors of our race. But he has only begun the work; the important
honor of completing it, remains to him, or to some of his countrymen.

But enough on this subject, for the present, if I have convinced the
reader whence her help, in this respect, is to come;--if I have
convinced her that, under God, she is to restore her beauty only by
becoming a true Christian; by having her whole being--body, intellect
and affections--brought into subjection to divine law, especially by a
prompt, and minute, and thorough obedience to all the laws of health
and life, as far as she understands them; and by diligent effort to
understand them better and better, as long as she lives; and, lastly,
by the smiles of Almighty God upon her labors and efforts.




CHAPTER XXVI.
NEATNESS AND CLEANLINESS.

Reasons for discussing these topics. Every person should undergo a
thorough ablution once a day. Quotation from Mrs. Farrar. Two important
objects gained by cold bathing. Its value as an exercise. Various forms
of bathing. Philosophy of this subject. Vast amount of dirt
accumulating on the surface. Statement of Mr. Buckingham Bathing
necessary in all employments. Offices of the skin, and evil